Akwa Ibom Councilors pledge support for Udom Emmanuel

Councilors from the  329 wards in the state have reiterated their continued support for the incoming administration of Deacon Udom Emmanuel. Their position was made known through a communiqué issued at the end of a State congress held recently in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital. 

The forum charged candidates who contested for the office of the Governor under different political platforms to close ranks and accept the olive branch extended to them by the Governor elect, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, which they described as one that will represent the interest of Akwa Ibom people, devoid of political affiliation, noting that the welfare of the people is crucial than the ambition of any individual. 

The meeting presided by chairman of the forum, Hon. Charles Bassey, provided opportunity for the legislatures to congratulate the state Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, on his recent appointment as the pro-chancellor of the newly certified RITMAN University, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, as well as a meritorious award for good governance from the middle-east-africa investment commission, recently held in Dubai. The group said, Dr. Akpabio has distinguished himself as a role model in the country, given his administration’s infrastructural renaissance, human capital development strides and political sagacity.

 The lawmakers also lauded the chairman of Etinan Local Government Area, Obong Isantim Kenneth Okon for appointing one of its members, Hon. Puis John, a councilor from Southern Iman Ward II, as Vice-Chairman of Council, noting that the lawmaker’s elevation was a true indication of Government’s readiness to engage more grassroots oriented persons in its activities. 

On plans for the smooth take off of the Udom Emmanuel administration, the secretary of the forum, Hon. Nkereuwem James, said they are working on setting up a requisite grassroots support base that will give the incoming administration a reliable launchpad for the expected leap into the consolidation of the uncommon transformation ongoing in the state. 

As part of its contribution to the transition program, the forum noted that it is embarking on a robust research and development program that will create a solid framework for needs assessment on a ward to ward basis across the state. 

The congregation applauded Chairmen of Local Government Areas, who have facilitated development of constituency projects in their various wards, which they said is a constitutional obligation of elected councilors. They also called on council Chairmen that are yet to make available resources for sitting and construction of constituency projects, to do same before the expiration of their tenure in the interest of the masses. 

They also thanked people of the state for contributing to the success of the last general elections which produced Deacon Udom Emmanuel as Governor; Chief Godswill Akpabio as Senator-elect for Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District; Obong Bassey Albert as Uyo Senetorial District Senator-elect, Rt. Hon. Nelson Effiong for Eket Senatorial District, and other elected persons in the March-April elections. 

Addressing the congregation, the chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Hon. (Pst.) Ekpedeme Akpan, who made a surprise entry to the session, commended the councilors for using their resources to promote democracy at the grassroots level. He also charged them to be good ambassadors of the people by preaching togetherness at all times.            

Committees were also inaugurated to see to the end of their legislative tenure. The forum hinted that it is planning an award night to celebrate persons that have contributed positively towards successes they recorded since the beginning of their term late 2012. The committees are; Compendium, Grassroots Awards/Gala Night, Constituency Needs Assessment, Thanksgiving Service and Awardees Screening Committee to be headed by Hon. Bassey Bassey, Hon. Inemesit Ubokudom, Hon. (Mrs.) Esther Edet, Hon. Emem Francis and Hon. Victor Amba respectively.