By Martins Inyangetoh
It was a homecoming rally at Uko Oyukum Primary School grounds, Oron, when the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Obong Paul Ekpo, members of the State Working Committee and stakeholders officially received over a thousand returnees and former members of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
In his remarks, Obong Ekpo lauded the decision of the returnees and expressed delight over their stance to support PDP and Governor Udom Emmanuel for a second term.
In his words: “We are delighted that you have realized your mistakes and taken a stand to return to the winning party and wholeheartedly contribute your quota to ensure total success for PDP and Governor Udom Emmanuel in 2019. It is obvious that Akwa Ibom case is different because we rely on God and the will of the people for victory in the forthcoming elections. The will of the people is the will of the electorates and you are the electorates. So, with your decision to support PDP and return of Governor Udom Emmanuel to office in 2019, we are sure of victory in the forthcoming general elections”.
Speaking on behalf of the PDP Chapter Chairmen of Udung Uko, Mbo, Okobo and Urue Offong/Oruko Local Government Areas, Chapter Chairman of Oron Local Government Area, Mr. Murphy Esin, thanked the party hierarchy for the honour done the people of the area and for helping their sons and daughters retrace their paths back to the party, saying “with this, our commitment, dedication and support to the reelection bid of Governor Udom Emmanuel in 2019 is unparalleled”.
“I thank the State Chairman of the party and members of his entourage for the honour done the people of Oro Nation by coming to join us receive these great sons and daughters back to the winning party, PDP. The caliber of persons coming back to the party is a clear indication that we are ready to sustain the tempo of having PDP as the ruling Party in this area and no man can come and change this decision that we have made. PDP remains a culture and religion in Oro Nation. We have unanimously agreed to sustain this tempo by our determination to return Governor Udom Emmanuel for a second term in 2019.”
Also speaking glowingly in support of the decision of the Oro People to retain PDP as the ruling party and collectively resolve to return Governor Udom Emmanuel for a second term, Mr. Samuel Ufuo; Mr. Effiong Bassey; Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi; Mr. Orman Esin, among others, separately said “As committed and loyal members of PDP, we will continue to maintain the feat in Oro Nation. Also, we have collectively resolved to work to return Governor Udom Emmanuel victoriously in 2019.”
On behalf of the returnees, Mrs. Alice Ekpenyong, a former Chief Whip of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, and Mr. Victor Anwanakak, appreciated the party leadership for having given them another chance and opportunity to return to the party, which they described as one that has given them the platform to excel politically.
They used the medium to apologize for the wrong decision they took years back and further declared to remain in PDP to contribute their quota to the progress and success of the party in 2019.
In another development, shortly after a reception in honour of the returnees, Obong Ekpo led members of SWC on a condolence visit to the family of Late Mrs. Alice Asuquo, a former State Officer of the party.
While consoling with the family, the Akwa Ibom PDP Chairman enumerated some of the contributions deceased made towards the success and progress of the party.
According to Obong Ekpo, “She was a true party member and an active State Officer of the party. She has done her work, now we pray God to receive her soul for eternal rest in his kingdom.”
