In what has been described as a rare expression of unity, leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ukanafun LGA have vowed to work together to return Governor Umo Eno, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This was one of the outcomes of a special stakeholders meeting hosted by the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Science and Digital Economy, Dr Frank Ekpenyong at his country home.
Acknowledged as historic and unprecedented, the meeting which had ward and chapter officers as well as respected party leaders in attendance, also saw the Commissioner promising to provide functional offices for all wards in the local government.
In his address, Dr Ekpenyong spoke candidly and passionately about the need for unity, hardwork and grassroots engagement.
He reminded all present that the task ahead is enormous and the journey to secure victory for his boss, Governor Umo Eno, Senator Godswill Akpabio and President Tinubu must start immediately. He then offered to provide well-branded offices for executives of all eleven wards to enable then plan and execute their programmes effectively.
He called for continuous mobilization for voters’ registration, effective membership mobilization and registration on the ARISE portals to enable party members benefit from various government interventions and projects, adding that his mission was to strengthen and not disrupt existing structure.
Dr Ekpenyong appealed to all present to renew their commitment to the party, stressing that as a person who is driven by data, clear targets would be set and those who perform well would ultimately smile home.
A most moving moment in the course of the meeting was the standing ovation and one minute silence observed in honour of the Commissioner’s father, Hon. Udo Ekpenyong, whose contribution and political sagacity in Ukanafun still resonates years after his passing.
In their separate goodwill messages, various speakers praised Dr. Ekpenyong’s foresight and commitment to building a united and stronger APC in Ukanafun LGA.
In his remarks, International President of Ati Annang Foundation, Adede Aniekpeno Mkpanang noted that Dr. Ekpenyong was a chip off the old block and was not surprised about his trajectory.
He noted that it was pleasing to see both young and old, serving and former leaders of the APC in attendance, acknowledging that this was a true expression of the progressive moment as espoused by the Governor.
He said that what Dr. Ekpenyong was about to do in terms of providing offices for all the Wards would be unprecedented in the state and promised to deploy his experience and expertise to ensure that the offices are well-styled and worthy of emulation.
Other speakers at the event were Hon. Ubokobong Umoh, SSA to Senate President on General Duties, Prince Nsikanabasi Umoekpo, SA to Governor (Humanitarian Affairs) and Mr Akaniyene Ukpanah, APC Chapter Chairman who gave the vote of thanks and praised Dr. Ekpenyong for his passion, generosity and unwavering love for Ukanafun.
The meeting was rounded off with the formation and inauguration of a 5-man committee headed by Hon. Godwin Ekpe to oversee the establishment of the ward offices within two weeks.
