…seek peace, harmonisation in party
ETIM EFFIONG
The founding members and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State have endorsed Senior Special Assistant to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Ita Enang as their sole governorship candidate for the 2023 general elections.
Coming under the aegis of the Forum of APC Foundation Members led by Hon (Elder) Emmanuel Andy, the group unanimously adopted Ita Enang as “a man of conscience”, who has the pedigree and the interest of the state at heart.
Speaking at the meeting, the former chapter chairmen, stakeholders and leaders, including Hon. Emman Andy, Comrade Idara Udoh, Elder Mfon Ukpe, Ekereobong Afia, among others, recounted their woes and frustrations in the party.
Recalling how they once visited Ita Enang in Abuja, pleading for intervention, the people who remembered with gratitude, how the senator built the party in 2019 for the aspiration of Obong Nsima Ekere, prevailed on him to use his influence and ensure the harmonization, integration and unity of all interests within the party.
Speaking also, the Federal Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom State at the Federal Character Commission, Obonganwan Dora Ebong said Ita Enang had long prepared himself for the task ahead and encouraged the people not to relent in working for the progress of the party.
In his reaction, Senator Ita Enang who described the people as the “founders, progenitors and trustees of APC in Akwa Ibom State”, noted that it was time for God to wipe away their tears and sorrows in the party.
Sen. Enang who thanked God that Governor Udom Emmanuel has extended an invitation to the APC to come and take over the state, assured the people that he was ready to lead the state through the unity and progress in APC.
He said, “The sufferings and the pains you’ve gone through at the various stages of the party are over and this time, you shall reap the fruits of your labour.
“Stephen Ntukekpo is now the chairman of the party in the state and all other sections of the party must come under the leadership of the brand-new party chairman and work together for results.
“I thank you today for identifying me as one man whom the cap fits to run for the governorship election of our dear state in 2023.
“So, the APC is fortunate because the campaign manager, who is the current Governor of Akwa Ibom state has done so well by his actions of poor governance which becomes not only assurance but also a clear invitation that the APC should come and take over the governance of the state.
“You are asking for the harmonization, integration, peace and assimilation of everybody to move as one united family to contest and contend against the PDP. It takes patriotism and love to reach this decision.
“We have heard the cries of the party faithful who have called on us to come together to build the party in the state. We have agreed to unconditionally come together.
“Above all, we are more touched by the cries of the people of the state whose main hope is in the APC to be in power so as to give them the proper leadership they have yearned for”, Ita Enang said.
Other dignitaries present during the meeting were: the former Chapter chairman of Nsit, Elder Okpok; Comrade Thomas Thomas, Comrade Ime Silas, all former chapter chairmen, secretaries, women leaders, as well as youth leaders.
