…say it will benefit Akwa Ibom State tremendously
…unanimously adopt the Deputy Governor as the Leader of the Party in the Federal Constituency
The critical stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oron federal constituency have thrown their weight behind the movement of the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, the Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi and other frontline political leaders in the State to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the decision will yield tremendous long term benefits for Oron Federal Constituency in particular and Akwa Ibom State as a whole.
The decision was contained in a communique issued after a meeting of the stakeholders, held Sunday in Oron at the instance of the Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi.
The stakeholders also acknowledge the developmental strides of the administration of Pastor Umo Eno in Oro Nation, expressing optimism that his alignment with the centre will bring more developments to the area rather than abate the ongoing impressive drive.
On the unity of the State and the federal constituency, the stakeholders said Oro people have decided to close ranks and work together in the present dispensation under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), while acknowledging the robust relationship existing between the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON and the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD as a good template to emulate.
The stakeholders unanimously adopted the Deputy Governor, Senator (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi as the leader of the Party in Oron federal constituency while the Executive Director (Projects), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Sir Victor Antai will deputize her.
Earlier in her tone setting speech, the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi described the Governor’s movement to the APC as an answer to prayers, saying it has brought unity to Oro Nation in particular and Akwa Ibom State as a whole.
She said the meeting was convened to enable her inform her people in both the former PDP and the APC that she had moved with the Governor on the 6th of June in the interest of Akwa Ibom State and to solicit continued support for the Governor and unity among key stakeholders from Oron federal constituency.
The Deputy Governor explained that although the Governor doesn’t have any problem with the PDP, his decision to join the APC was predicated on the need to move Akwa Ibom State from the periphery into the mainstream of national politics and to enable him work for the President whom he greatly admires without carrying a moral baggage of anti Party activities.
Giving an insight into the process that led to the Governor’s movement on 6th June, Senator Eyakenyi said the extent of consultations embarked upon by the Governor before he finally took the decision was unprecedented in the history of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria, noting that all interest groups were consulted and their nods given before the Governor finally decided to move.
“Nobody who wanted to change his political party in this State or Nation has ever consulted as widely as the Governor did before the 6th of June.
“All sections, segments and interest groups in this State were consulted and their buy-in obtained before the final movement.” She explained.
She highlighted the efforts of the Governor in Oron federal constituency and the entire State, declaring that Akwa Ibom State is indeed blessed to have Pastor Umo Eno as Governor, considering his inclusive approach to governance and unwavering commitment towards the development of the State.
“There is no project going on anywhere in this State that excludes this federal constituency or any part of the State for that matter.
“From the model schools, model primary healthcare centres, compassionate homes, road construction, etc, the Governor ensures they are spread to all Local Government Areas in the State. Today, all parts of the State have a strong sense of belonging.
“In addition to these, the Governor is transforming the Oron Beach into a tourist’s haven
with World class infrastructures and amenities. He is also vigorously pursuing the actualization of the deep seaport project while the Uyo -Nsit Atai-Okobo Road is nearing completion and will likely be commissioned by the President very soon. All the Governor needs now is our support because gratitude will always attract more favours,” she admonished.
Senator Eyakenyi further emphasized the need for forgiveness, love and unity among leaders, saying it was the only way to ensure effective service delivery for the benefit of the people.
Also speaking, the Executive Director, Projects, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Sir Victor Antai reaffirmed his commitment to the unity of Oro and Akwa Ibom State, pledging to support the Deputy Governor in her role as the leader of the Party in Oron federal constituency.
He called on all stakeholders to promote cohesion and unity in the Party, assuring that development would come when there is peace.
Others who also spoke to reiterate the need for unity, forgiveness and support for the President, Senate President, the Governor and the Deputy Governor were the Chairman, Akpakip Oro Elders’ Advisory Council, Ikpoto Okon Osung, former State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Arc. Otu Ita Toyo, former President General of Oron Union, Chief (Mrs) Janet Amba, former Commissioner for Health, Chief (Dr) E. J. Attih, former President General of Oron Union, Bishop Etim Ante, among others.
The highpoint of the meeting was the decoration of Senator Eyakenyi and Sir Victor Antai as the leader and Deputy leader respectively of the Party for Oron federal constituency by the Assistant State Chairman of the Party, Dr. Cyril Enemi, supported by all the Chapter Chairmen and State Officers of the Party from the constituency.
