The Special Adviser to Governor Udom Emmanuel in the Bureau of Political, Legislative Affairs and Water Resources, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ekong Sampson has said that the political ambience in Akwa Ibom State should serve as a lesson to Nigerian polity.
Barrister Ekong Sampson made the statement while addressing members, past and present executives, as well as national officers of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), at the election/inauguration of new executives for the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the organisation in Uyo. Also present to witness the exercise were executives of Interparty Advisory Council (IPAC).
The Honourable Special Adviser expressed satisfaction over the manner at which the CNPP conducted its activities in the State, describing it as a great trajectory in the course of efforts to expand the frontiers of democracy and deepen bond amongst Akwa Ibom people. He particularly commended Akwa Ibom State chapter for the high level maturity demonstrated in the conduct of elections of executives and peaceful transition.
He described the commitment of the Akwa Ibom State chapter of CNPP’s to the unity, peace and advancement of the State as phenomenal and historic. This, he said, has gone a long way to affirm that in spite of party affiliations, we can still come together as a family to pursue a common course, which is the larger interest of the State.
Ekong Sampson further upheld the commendable demeanour as an obvious indication that the Political Inclusion agenda of Governor Udom Emmanuel is honest and yielding results in the Akwa Ibom polity. He also thanked the CNPP for keying into State Government programmes and believing in Governor Udom Emmanuel and Akwa Ibom State. He said the Governor was taking the lead in exploring avenues to industrialize and diversify the economy of the State and looking beyond the attractions of the mono, oil dependent economy.
He said the disharmony in the Nigerian polity today stems from allowing the pre-eminence of politics over policy. Describing such as obsolete and futile in the face of current socio-economic and political realities, he enjoined Nigeria to learn from the Akwa Ibom example, explore areas for cooperation and partnership and allow policy to drive politics.
Barrister Ekong Sampson also pointed it has become very important in a time like this to sincerely pray for the health of Nigeria’s President. While admitting that is possible for anyone to fall sick, but that considering the importance of a healthy president to drive the economy, he dissuaded Nigerians from playing politics with the health of Mr. President but rather pray for his recovery.
The National Secretary of CNPP, High Chief Willie Ezegwu, expressed delight at the conduct of the exercise in Akwa Ibom State. He said it was a clear indication that the Akwa Ibom people have well imbibed the tenets of true democracy, adding that for election to be what it is, everybody must not have same opinion, but accepts the prevalence of the most popular in the general interest of the system.
The elections saw the emergence of Engr. William Ikpe of the PPA as Chairman and 14 others of various party affiliations as follows: Dr. Effiong Ekaeba (PPN), Deputy Chairman; Elder Andy Oduobuk (ID), Secretary General; Pastor Emmanuel Edet Affia (PDM), Assistant Secretary; Pastor (Engr.) Frederick Ekaeba (PDC) Treasurer; Pastor Ekomobong Akpan (AD), Publicity Secretary; Rev. Aniekan Obot (SDP), Organising Secretary; Elder Fred Obot (DA) Welfare; Mr. Raphael Uko (UPN), Disciplinary Matters; Rev. Aniebiet Emmanuel (PRP), Director of Media; Barr. Uno Uno (PDP), Legal Adviser; Mr. Etim Stern (PPP), Director of Mobilisation; Engr. Joseph Bassey (DPC), Social/Event Management; Mr. Akan Ekpenyong (UPP) Financial Secretary and Elder Friday Nkanta (ACPN) as Ex-Officio, while the State Chapter Chairman of the PDP who was unanimously adopted as Patron. The National Secretary declared the exercise free, fair and conclusive. He congratulated the elected officers and tasked them to be diligent in protecting democracy.
Engr. William Ikpe who was re-elected Chairman of CNPP, Akwa Ibom State chapter for a second term, thanked his colleagues, the National Officers and IPAC for their support and cooperation to ensure a smooth transition. He assured the group that with the responsive and accommodating Government of Mr. Udom Emmanuel in place, CNPP in Akwa Ibom does not need to fight, but simply demand for their rights.
The Special Assistant to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Lawrence Udo who was also there to witness the exercise, congratulated the new officers on their emergence. He pointed out that Governor Udom Emmanuel’s leadership is focused and worth following.
