…as Itak Leadership Forum pledges support
By Ime Silas
Comrade Danielson Akpan’s ambition to represent the good people of Ikono State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly got a great boost yesterday following the royal blessings he received from the Paramount Ruler of Ikono LGA, HRM, Edidem Etim Nnana at the Monarch’s palace.
The former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and Labour Party (LP) flagbearer for Ikono State Constituency in the 2027 general elections, had earlier in the day, obtained blessings from his Village Head, His Highness, Eteidung Sylvester Akpan and other village Council members, community leaders, women and youths at a well-attended event held at the Ukpap Ikot Idang village square.
The day, which many described as historic for the people of Ediene Itak political zone, began with joy, songs, prayers as sons and daughters of Ukpap Ikot Idang trooped out in their numbers to receive their son and to witness the formal presentation of his ambition to the community that raised him.
The father of the Labour Party (LP) 2027 State Assembly hopeful, Pastor Andrew Akpan, had in an emotion-laden prayerful speech, presented him to the community as his beloved son, describing him as a star destined for greatness.
Pastor Akpan, who could not hide his joy and gratitude to God, told the gathering that Danielson was raised with discipline, fear of God and love for humanity. He said he had watched his son grow from a young boy with big dreams into a national youth leader who served Nigeria with honour as NANS President.
He prayed for God’s protection, wisdom and favour upon his son, and asked the community to stand behind him as he seeks to serve Ikono at a higher level.
Speaking at the village square, His Highness, Eteidung Sylvester Akpan, said the community is proud of Danielson and proud of what he has become. He described him as a worthy ambassador of Ukpap Ikot Idang in particular and Ediene Itak in general.
The Village Head said the community has watched Danielson serve students across Nigeria and represent the youth with courage and integrity, and that there is no doubt he will do even more if given the mandate to represent Ikono in the State House of Assembly.
He formally blessed him on behalf of the village council and the entire community, and prayed that his journey to the House of Assembly would be successful.
Other village council members, community leaders, women and youths who spoke at the event also pledged their total support for the Labour Party candidate, assuring him that Ukpap Ikot Idang will stand firmly behind him from now until victory is secured in 2027.
Comrade Danielson was, after obtaining blessings from his family and community leaders, led by his Village Head and other stakeholders of Ediene Itak extraction including the Labour Party Political leader in Ikono; Obong Ita George, to the Paramount Ruler’s palace.
At the palace, the Paramount Ruler of Ikono LGA, HRM, Edidem Etim Nnana, received the delegation warmly and listened with keen interest as the Village Head and other leaders presented Danielson to him.
The monarch, known for his wisdom and fatherly disposition, commended Danielson for taking the honourable path of seeking blessings from his village before coming to the palace. He said leadership begins from home, and any aspirant who respects his roots and honours traditional institutions has already shown the character needed for public service.
Edidem Etim Nnana prayed for him and gave him his royal blessings, urging him to remain humble, peaceful and people-oriented in his campaigns. He advised him to run an issue-based campaign devoid of bitterness and rancour, and to see the contest as an opportunity to serve and not as a do-or-die affair.
He also reminded him that if elected, he would be representing the entire Ikono, and not just Ediene Itak, and must therefore carry all zones along in fairness and justice.
Comrade Danielson’s outing was concluded with a consultative meeting with Itak Leadership Forum led by its convener, Akparawa Idongesit Ukaetuk.
At the meeting, members of the Forum, comprising respected elders, professionals, youths and women leaders of Itak extraction, pledged their unflinching support for Danielson’s ambition.
The convener, Akparawa Idongesit Ukaetuk, said the Forum has carefully assessed the political situation in Ikono and is convinced that Danielson is the most prepared, credible and acceptable candidate to fly the flag of Ediene Itak in 2027.
He said the Forum will mobilise the entire Ediene Itak zone and work with other zones in Ikono to ensure victory for the Labour Party candidate.
In his response, Comrade Danielson thanked his father, his Village Head, the Paramount Ruler and the Itak Leadership Forum for their love, prayers and blessings. He promised not to disappoint them, pledging to run a people-oriented representation that will give Ikono a voice that will be heard in the State House of Assembly.
He said his campaign is built on capacity, content and character, and on the principle of equity, fairness and justice, noting that Ediene Itak has waited for over twenty years for representation.
With the royal blessings and the support of the Itak Leadership Forum secured, political pundits say Danielson’s campaign has received a major boost ahead of the 2027 elections.