NEWS
Etinan Council Begins Process For 2026 Budget
Etinan Council has kicked off the process of producing a citizen’s budget for 2026 with a meeting of stakeholders, officials of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and members of the Fiscal Responsibility Board.
The meeting which took place at the Millennium Hall of the Council had in attendance both internal and external stakeholders as demanded by the Akwa Ibom Fiscal Responsibility Law.

Addressing a cross section of stakeholders that turned up for the meeting, the Chairman of Council, Hon Uko Umoh stressed the importance of the meeting as it gives the people opportunity to nominate projects to be captured in the 2026 budget of the local government area.
Hon Umoh stated that as elected officials of the council, they cannot sit at the comfort of their offices to do a budget for the people of the local government area without their inputs.
“As we begin the process of preparing 2026 budget, We cannot do it from the comfort of our offices at the council which explains our invitation to you. Your valuable contributions and input will be of great advantage to us for proper distribution of projects according to the needs of our communities.

“It is therefore very important that we gather you our esteemed stakeholders, brief you of our achievements in the past one year and collate your input for the new year” he stated.
Also speaking, Mr. Ofonime Effanga of the Akwa Ibom State Fiscal Responsibility Board, said the meeting of stakeholders before the preparation of budget for any fiscal year has the backing of the law.
He described the meeting as very strategic in the sense that it gives the people the right to own the budget when it is finally passed by the Legislative Council.

” If your project is captured in the budget, you own the budget and monitor its execution for the benefit of the people.”
Mr Effanga called on the people to prioritize their projects so that there will be no replication of projects in the same community.
“If there is an existing health centre in a community, instead of asking for a new one call for the equipping of the existing one. Same with other life touching projects”
An overview of the performance of the 2025 budget presented by the Director of Budget in Etinan Local Government Area, Mr. Inyenobong Ekot, shows that the Council embarked on many capital projects, completed same and handed them over to communities.
In her contribution, Professor Usen Ikpe appreciated the chairman for convening the meeting before the preparation of the 2026 budget.
She called for priority attention to be given to education and health sectors as well as leverage on the existing technology offered by Slawd Peters to create value chain in the agricultural sector.
“You are too proactive, take note of education, health and the value chain on our agricultural engagement to improve the lives of Etinan people”
Pastor Samuel Ikon, PhD, also supported calls for even distribution of amenities in villages.
According to the former representative of Etinan state/federal constituency, while the council takes on new projects, it is also important to look at existing ones that are no longer functioning and see how to resuscitate them as it is cheaper that way than building new ones.
” When you have opportunity to serve, do your best. Let us look at some of the projects done by other agencies and see how to fix them as it is cost effective and easier to fix than start a new one. All the projects listed as being done by the Council in the last one year have been done” he concluded.

Special Assistant to the Governor on People Living With Disabilities, Mr. Ubong Ikpe, thanked the chairman of Council for accommodating people with disabilities in his administration. “In the history of this local government, this is the first time people with disabilities are included in the scheme of things at the Council.”
The Paramount Ruler of Etinan, His Majesty, Edidem Aniefiok Monday Akpanobong, also joined voices to appreciate the Council for making the budget process participatory.
He called for strict adherence to the provisions of the budget at the implementation level as that will bring about development in our communities.
Goodwill message was delivered at the meeting by Miss Idorenyin Eyo of Policy Alert who commended the administration of Hon Uko Umoh in Etinan for making the budget process open to all citizens.
The meeting was attended by political stakeholders, community leaders, traditional rulers, clergymen, youth and women leaders, APC chapter Chairman, Leader of the Legislative Council and councilors, Secretary of Council and supervisors, Head of Local Government Service and Directors, Chief of staff to the chairman and NULGE.
NEWS
AKWA IBOM STATE POLICE COMMAND TASKS OFFICERS ON PROFESSIONALISM, COMPLIANCE WITH IGP’S DIRECTIVES AT A STRATEGIC SECURITY MEETING
- The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has once again called on officers under its command to exhibit high level of professionalism, operational efficiency and total compliance with the IGP’s directive while carrying out their lawful duties.
The state’s Police boss CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, Mnipr, made the call during an emergency strategic security meeting with Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Tactical Commanders, Heads of Departments (HODs), and other senior officers of the Command to deliberate on prevailing security concerns and strengthen strategies for effective crime prevention and control across the State.
The meeting provided a strategic platform to review the prevailing security situation, assess emerging threats, and address critical issues relating to intelligence gathering, crime prevention and detection, visibility policing, rapid response to distress calls, inter-unit collaboration, and effective supervision of personnel.
The Commissioner of Police charged all officers in command and supervisory positions to remain vigilant, demonstrate effective leadership, and ensure prompt and coordinated responses to security challenges within their respective areas of responsibility.
The Commissioner emphasised the need for all officers and men to discharge their duties with diligence, discipline, integrity, and respect for the rule of law. He reiterated that police personnel must respect the fundamental rights of citizens and ensure that arrests, investigations, searches, and other official duties are carried out in accordance with established laws and procedures. He warned against abuse of authority, extortion, negligence, dereliction of duty, and any conduct capable of undermining public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
In a Press statement signed and issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the meeting further addressed the need to strengthen intelligence-led policing, improve information sharing, enhance patrol strategies, and sustain effective monitoring of identified security flashpoints and vulnerable locations. DPOs, Tactical Commanders, and Heads of Departments were directed to maintain effective communication with their personnel, ensure prompt reporting of security developments, and provide adequate supervision to enhance operational efficiency and accountability.
In line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, Psc(+), Officers and men were also sensitised on strict compliance with the Nigeria Police Force social media policy. The Commissioner of Police reiterated that the IGP’s directives on the use of social media remain in force and must be strictly observed by all personnel.
Officers were cautioned against the unauthorised publication or circulation of official information, internal communications, operational details, photographs, videos, and other sensitive materials on social media platforms. They were reminded that any online conduct capable of compromising security operations, breaching confidentiality, or bringing the Force into disrepute would be addressed in accordance with applicable Force regulations and disciplinary procedures.
The Commissioner of Police urged all officers to implement the resolutions reached at the meeting, strengthen internal accountability, and remain responsive to the security needs of the public. Members of the public were equally encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to assist the Police in preventing crime, identifying suspicious activities, and maintaining peace and public safety across Akwa Ibom State.
The Command reassures residents of its commitment to the maintenance of law and order and calls for continued public cooperation in the collective effort to sustain a safe and peaceful environment throughout the State.
Crime
POLICE INTENSIFIES FIGHT AGAINST CRIMINAL ELEMENTS IN AKWA IBOM
… Arrest five suspects,,recovers suspected illicit drugs in Ibeno LGA
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested five suspects and recovered substantial quantities of substances suspected to be illicit drugs during an intelligence-led raid on a suspected criminal hideout at Iwuachang Village, Ibeno Local Government Area.
The operation, conducted at about 8:00 p.m. on October 22, 2026, followed credible intelligence received by the Command and in line with the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, on the ongoing campaign against black spots and illicit drug activities across the State.
The suspects, identified as Enoch Monila, 28yrs; Joseph Dani, 42yrs; Imoh Okon, 21yrs; Joy Linus, 25yrs; and Thadeus Damian, 32yrs, were arrested during the operation. Items recovered included substantial quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, as well as substances identified by street names as Captain Black, Kolos, and Ice, all subject to further investigation.
According to a press statement from the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the Commissioner of Police reiterates the Command’s zero-tolerance stance against illicit drug trafficking, criminal hideouts, and activities capable of undermining public safety. He assures residents that intelligence-driven operations will be sustained across the State to identify and dismantle criminal networks.
Members of the public are encouraged to provide credible and timely information to the Police as the operation continues.
The Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and ensuring a safer Akwa Ibom State.
NEWS
AKWA IBOM STATE POLICE COMMAND ARRESTS 15 SUSPECTED CULTISTS IN IBENO
…RECOVERS SUSPECTED STOLEN ITEMS, ILLICIT DRUGS
In line with the directives of the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, to sustain the fight against cultism, illicit drug activities and other criminal acts in the State, operatives of the Ibeno Divisional Police Headquarters have arrested fifteen (15) suspects during a targeted raid on suspected cultists’ hideouts and identified black spots in Atia Coastal Village, Ibeno Local Government Area.
According to a Press statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the operation was conducted on 20th October, 2026, at about 1700 hours, following intelligence-led efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts and curb cult-related activities within the area. The operation resulted in the arrest of the following suspects:
• Dominic, male, 35 years, alias “Don Sars,” of Esit Eket LGA;
• Ndifreke Paul, male, 29 years, alias “Black Satan,” of Onna LGA;
• Etim Oboho, male, 46 years, of Urue-Offong/Oruko LGA; and twelve (12) other suspects.
During preliminary interrogation, two of the suspects, Ubong Dominic, alias “Don Sars,” and Ndifreke Paul, alias “Black Satan,” allegedly confessed to membership of the Vikings and Iceland confraternities. Investigations are ongoing to establish their respective affiliations, determine their level of involvement in cult-related activities, and identify other persons connected to the suspected criminal networks.
Items recovered during the operation include wraps of substances suspected to be Indian hemp; substances suspected to be methamphetamine, popularly known as “Ice”; two (2) suspected stolen 8-horsepower outboard engines; one motorcycle bearing registration number KTS 346 WZ, suspected to be stolen; cult-related berets; items bearing Vikings inscriptions; bottles containing substances suspected to be charms; and five (5) mobile handsets.
While some of the suspects were arrested, others reportedly escaped into the surrounding creeks. The Command has intensified efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover other possible exhibits.
The Commissioner of Police reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating cultism, drug-related offences and other criminal activities across Akwa Ibom State. He warns individuals and groups engaged in criminal activities to desist forthwith, as the Command will continue to deploy intelligence-led policing, targeted raids and other lawful operational strategies to identify, arrest and prosecute offenders.
The Command urges members of the public, community leaders and other stakeholders to support ongoing security efforts by providing credible and timely information to the Police. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through appropriate police channels.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command assures the public of its continued commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace and security throughout the State.
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