As preparation for the 2023 general elections gears up, Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and the Senatorial Aspirant for Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, has been endorsed by statutory delegates and stakeholders of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area.
They consequently reiterated their avowed support and commitment to the Governor Udom Emmanuel’s Completion Agenda, assuring that they will lead the campaign for his succession plan through Pastor Umo Eno and the Senate aspiration of the Speaker in both party primaries and general elections.
Describing Rt. Hon. Bassey as a humble and viable aspirant who has what it takes to occupy the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial seat in 2023, the delegates and stakeholders bare their minds at a consultative meeting held on Monday at Luton Park, Uyo.
In his remarks, Chairman of the House Committee on Education and member representing Ibiono Ibom State constituency in the State House of Assembly, Obong Godwin Ekpo commended the Speaker for showing excellence and maturity in leadership.
“Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Ibiono Ibom State Constituency, I sincerely apologized for that show of shame on your person, Office of the Honourable Speaker and the peace loving people of Akwa Ibom State by hoodlums who invaded the venue of the event. Ibiono Ibom people are not known to be rascals nor purveyors of rascality,” he said.
Speaking further, Obong Ekpo said “Mr. Speaker, seated before you today are the statutory delegates in Ibiono Ibom. They will stand by you, support and nominate you as the PDP flag-bearer for the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial Elections. They will do same for Pastor Umo Eno as Governor Udom Emmanuel’s successor come 2023.”
Speaking on behalf of the PDP Ward Chairmen in Ibiono Ibom, Hon. Uwem Usua Okon, thanked the Speaker for showing humility, courage and capacity amidst the intimidation against his will and loyalty to Mr. Udom Emmanuel’s completion agenda and succession plan.
“Mr. Speaker, You have shown humility and I must commend you. Your landmark achievements as leader of the State Legislature are incomparable. Be assured that we will support your ambition and vote you to the Red Chambers,” he assured.
Others who also spoke, including Mrs. Affiong Ikpeme and Mr. Emmanuel Ekanem, said they were firmly in support of the Udom Emmanuel succession plan and commended the Speaker for his leadership style and commitment to the progress, development and unity of Akwa Ibom State.
Responding, Rt. Hon. Bassey thanked Ibiono Ibom delegates and stakeholders for the honour done him, assuring that he will lead and represent them at the National Assembly effectively and with the fear of God.
“I want to thank the people of Ibiono Ibom for this show of love and honour. Politics is a game of interest and no one should be compelled to go against his or her will. I want to assure you that by God's grace, I will reciprocate this kind gesture. As a loyal party man, I have come to pay respect to all of you and to also seek your support for my aspiration to the Senate,” he said.
"As a person and as the leader of the state legislature, my love, loyalty and support to Governor Udom Emmanuel are unflinching because of his sterling leadership quality. If our party, the PDP has a Presidential Aspirant, supported by Mr. Udom Emmanuel, I would still have worn the faze cap with the aspirant insignia on it. The goal is not to win alone but to win five-over-five from the President to State House of Assembly. The status quo for PDP in Akwa Ibom has always been five-over-five and God's willing, it will remain the same,” he maintained.
He further canvassed support the aspirations of his colleagues, Obong Ekpo and Barrister Ime Okon, to the State House of Assembly and to the Federal House of Representatives for the development of the area, stating the advantages of having a ranking and experienced representatives.
Present at the event were Chairman of Ibom Airport Development Company, Dr Iniobong Essien; Chapter Executives of the PDP in Ibiono Ibom; Ward Chairmen; Ward Vice Chairmen, Ward Secretaries, Ward Women Leaders, Ward Youth Leaders; former Chapter Chairmen, among others.
Highpoint of the event included a special victory prayer for the Speaker by Rev. Victor Akan-Ibok and donation of vehicles by Obong Godwin Ekpo to Mr. Emeka Ekanem and Mr. Umana Umana.
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