Re: Controversy Trails Ntekpere’s empowerment list of beneficiaries
We have read a false report making the rounds online with the above headline. However, it is not in our place to dignify such piece of falsehood with a reply but we are compelled to make clarifications for right-thinking members of the public.
For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to make the following clarifications.
1). Mr. Iton Isonguyo is one of the beneficiaries of the Rt. Hon. Idongesit Ntekpere’s Empowerment programme through the payment of 6 years rent for Lockup Stores for Small and Medium Business starters at Urua Offiong Etor Udo market, Obot Akara Local Government Area. Constituents who indicated interest to make use of the shops owned by Obot Akara Local Government Area were asked to pay N10,000 as a tender fee, to demonstrate their seriousness and readiness for business. After which the House member paid the rent for the shops for 6 years and 3 months for each of them, including Mr. Isonguyo who is using 2 of the shops. The rent will expire by April 2024.
He was not entitled to any cash as the said amount was paid to the Local Government Council as rent. So far, Mr. Isonguyo had since taken possession of the shops and had sublet same to other tenants who are currently doing business in those shops. In the Empowerment programme, it is clearly stated that the money was for the rent of those shops. That he is coming out to complain that he was not paid the money could be his inability to read and understand or outright attempt to smear the image and good intention of Hon. Ntekpere. How on earth did Mr.Isonguyo expect to use two Lockup shops for 6 years with the payment of N 10,000?
2). The Hope Foundation multi- purpose Cooperative Society. This is a very lofty initiative of the lawmaker. It disburses quick, soft, collateral-free and interest-free revolving loans as business support funds. It has been of immense benefit to subscribers to date.
Testimonies abound to that effect. Iton Isonguyo I, a known mischief-maker is trying unsuccessfully to discredit a cooperative he is not subscribing to by bandying a nameless cousin as the source of his information. We challenge him to name that cousin of his to buttress his point.
3). Mr.Isonguyo ( Usomaka)is a well-known political undertaker whose stock in trade has remained falsehood and blackmail. We dare him to approach the courts if he believes that his land was taken by anyone for whatever purpose. We, however, sympathize with him on his return to the PDP after a fruitless foray to the opposition party.
We urge members of the public to discountenance the fabricated stories by this agent provocateur to mislead the public.
Rt.Hon. Idongesit Ntekpere shall not be distracted by such schemes and is poised to sustain the tempo of effective representation for Ikot Ekpene State Constituency.
