By Paulinus Nnah/Joe Silas
The Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Petroleum Resources, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ekong Sampson, has commended the political Iroko, Chief Michael Afangide, for his courage and vision which have made him a stabilizing influence in the politics of Essien Udim and Akwa Ibom State.
Barr. Ekong Sampson, a former Political Adviser to the State Governor, told newsmen yesterday, Wednesday, January 22, 2020 that Obong Afangide, even at hundred years, remains a reference point in hard work and political sagacity.
Ekong Sampson was among the College of Commissioners and Special Advisers who stormed Essien Udim on Wednesday to rally support for the PDP ahead of Saturday’s re-run election in the area.
At the event, Obong Afangide pointed at the infrastructure that PDP brought to Essien Udim and urged the people to vote en masse for the party in the re-run election.
Barr. Sampson agreed with the elder statesman and appealed to Essien Udim people and other constituencies in the area to maintain their unwavering support for PDP just like other constituencies in the state. He also commended other Essien Udim stakeholders for working with the overwhelming Akwa Ibom support opinion for the PDP.
The Hon. Commissioner also echoed Chief Afangides appeal for a peaceful re-run. The Environment and Petroleum Resources Commissioner, a veteran of many electoral battles, threw a challenge at the opposition, saying “Instead of campaigning, the opposition in Akwa Ibom State is still fixated on Igini-sm.
“It is like a student ceaselessly wailing over the examiner instead of reading. Whether that ultimately translates to electoral victory or democracy paranoia remains to be seen.”
