NIGERIA, UYO – The Akwa Ibom State Government has commenced payment of a one-time ₦50,000 transport allowance to applicants who participated in the recently concluded Civil Service Recruitment Computer-Based Test. The Ministry of Science and Digital Economy disclosed this in a public information notice, stating that the payment followed Governor Umo Bassey Eno’s directive to ease transportation burdens borne by CBT applicants.
According to the ministry, payments are being made directly into bank accounts earlier submitted by applicants on the Akwa Ibom State Employment Portal to ensure transparency and prevent third-party interference.
Applicants were advised not to submit new bank details and to disregard unofficial the payment requests, as government stressed that all transactions would follow verified portal records only. The ministry explained that applicants could monitor payment progress in real time through the Employment Portal, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to accountability and digital governanc
Applicants who do not receive payment immediately were advised to wait until Wednesday, January 7, 2026, before contacting support through officially designated communication channels.
The ministry listed support@employment.akwaibomstate.gov.ng and 0201 229 1111 as the only authorized contact points for all payment-related inquiries.
The Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Dr Frank Ekpenyong, said the initiative aligns with the ARISE Agenda’s focus on transparency, accountability, and effective use of digital platforms.
Statistics released with the notice showed that 33,459 applicants participated in the CBT exercise, with 5,651 payments processing, 377 successfully paid, and zero failed transactions as of January 2, 2026. Truth Live News sighted the announcement on the Facebook page of the Akwa Ibom State Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, who reiterated government’s commitment to clear communication and public trust.
Udoh noted that the staggered payment structure was designed to ensure accuracy, prevent fraud, and protect applicants’ personal and banking information.
Meanwhile, a political development has emerged in Cross River State as the Vice Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Area, Hon. Emmanuel Idi Yakubu, formally resigned his membership of the All Progressives Congress. Yakubu conveyed his decision in a letter dated December 31, 2025, addressed to the Chairman of APC Ogoja Urban Ward II, Abakpa, and made available to Truth Live News
In the letter, the vice chairman recalled an earlier attempt to resign on June 24, 2025, which he said was rejected by the APC State Chairman, Barrister Alphonsus Ogar Eba.
“I write to inform you of my decision to resign my membership of the APC,” Yakubu stated, formally severing ties with the ruling party at the ward level. Despite the resignation,Yakubu commended the ward leadership, describing it as inclusive and wishing party officials well as they continue managing party affairs.
He said, “I enjoyed my stay in the APC under your all-inclusive leadership, and I wish you well as you continue to steer the affairs of the party.”
Political observers in Ogoja said the resignation raises ethical questions around internal party democracy, individual political conscience, and the handling of dissent within party structures. They noted that the development could have implications for local political alignments ahead of future electoral contests in the area.
Truth Live News correspondent reports that the twin developments underscore contrasting governance dynamics, reflecting social support initiatives in Akwa Ibom and evolving political recalibrations in Cross River State.