Okobo LG Elections: Stakeholders Adopt Sylvester Attah As Consensus Chairmanship Candidate Former Attorney General, Party Stalwarts Commend Deputy Speaker for Leading Truce for Party Success ...We must follow Governor's Directive - Hon. Felicia Bassey on Peaceful Elections

By Edet Okpo

Apparently determined to sustain the cause of unity, peaceful coexistence and internal democracy which Governor Udom Emmanuel exemplifies and which Okobo people have vowed to maintain, political stakeholders in Okobo Local Government have unanimously adopted Dr. Sylvester Attah as consensus  chairmanship candidate for the forthcoming 2020 October local government area in the State.

In furtherance of the spirit of solidarity and sportsmanship, the stakeholders also prevailed on Chief Efefiong Antigha, who was initially also cleared to step down and join the majority voice for the overall peace of all.

Addressing the expectant and supportive crowd that turned out in their numbers at her Oti-Oro residence and the local Government Council Secretariat respectfully, the Deputy Speaker and Member representing Okobo State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Princess Felicia Bassey, stressed the need for harmonization of all shades of interest, close ranks and follow the directive of the Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, who has proven in action and never minced words about his determination to promote internal democracy, peace and unity among party structures across the 31 local government areas in the State.

The Deputy Speaker whom all describe as  bridge-builder and grassroots mobilizer, flanked by incumbent chairman of Okobo local government area, Hon. Ubuo Effiong Ubuo, maintained that it was necessary collective will of the people take preeminence over any personal ambition because true democracy thrives on the will of the people, for growth and development.

Also besides the Deputy Speaker in full support were former Member representing Okobo State Constituency and Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Peter Linus Umoh; former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Ekpenyong Ntekim; former Member, Okobo State Constituency in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Chief Asukwo Odiong; former zonal officer of PDP, Chief Jerry Okpo; Chapter Chairman of PDP in Okobo, Mr. Eteka Ukpong; past chairman, State Technical School Board, Hon. George Henshaw, and all ward Chairmen and members who picked no holes in the unanimous adoption of Dr. Sylvester Attah, from Nnung Attah Ube, Ward 2 in  Etta Clan as Consensus candidate of the party in Okobo.

They all expressed optimism that his tenure will enshrine quality dividends of democracy  and serve as nexus of socio-economic development. 

The peaceful outcome of the gathering saw Rt. Princess Felicia Bassey expressed gratitude to the stakeholders and delegates for keying into the vision of the State Governor in spreading offices evenly across various political blocs, emphasizing that the pattern has become a precedent and culture that have engendered peace and unity in Okobo.

On his part, Barr. Ekpenyong Ntekim, former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice thanked Princess Felicia Bassey for her  characteristic show of love, dedication and deep concern in sustaining PDP affairs and her growth in Okobo.

The frontline legal luminary stated that the wisdom of the Deputy Speaker and  other stakeholders of Okobo extraction in PDP as expressed in the choice of Mr. Sylvester Attah, whom he assured won't disappoint the party or Okobo people will promote Unity and development. He acknowledged the maturity with which the party  primaries was organized as well as the peaceful resolutions reached.

Also speaking, Hon. Efefiong Antigha who conceded his position for the choiced candidate, Dr. Sylvester Attah, described the Deputy Speaker as the Mother of the new  Okobo  politics and a Leader with a largeheart. He  promised to work with the adopted candidate. 

On his part, the Executive Chairman of Okobo, Hon. Ubuo Effiong Ubuo, thanked God for enthronement of peace in Okobo and also promised to team up for the victory of Dr. Sylvester Attah at the poll. According to Hon. Ubuo, "Victory for Dr. Attah will mean victory for Democracy, victory for Okobo and victory for the resolutions reached at today's primaries".

Earlier In his words of  appreciation, the consensus candidate, Dr. Sylvester Attah, said he was short of words on how committed Okobo people were to democracy, their peaceful dispositions and unity that resulted in his being adopted to fly PDP's flags at the local government. He announced that he was particularly grateful to the Deputy Speaker, the man who stepped down for him without grudges and counting the cost, other critical others as well as the generality of Okobo people for the trust reposed in him. "I wish to promise that the love you've shown and honour done me today will be never be taken for granted. I'm overwhelmed and I will remember this day in advancement of democracy and the cause of Okobo people", he assured.

The PDP Returning Officer for the primaries in  Okobo, Mr. Anietie Udoeyop, in his observation and closing remarks, commended the conduct of primaries and described it as one of the best he has seen in recent times.