2027: Akwa Ibom Launches Mobilisation Teams For Tinubu, Akpabio, Eno

The grassroots mobilisation drive of the ARISE with Renewed Hope Initiative (ARHI) has inaugurated its Obot Akara Local Government Area chapter in Nto Edino, the council headquarters, as part of efforts to expand its political structure ahead of next year’s general election campaigns.

The ceremony, which drew stakeholders and supporters from across the area, featured the swearing-in of a 30-member local government executive as well as an advisory council. The development marks another step in the initiative’s plan to establish similar campaign structures across the 31 local government areas of the state.

Speaking at the event, the President General of the initiative, Engr. Uwem Okoko, described ARHI as a coalition of political stakeholders, community leaders and supporters committed to mobilising grassroots backing for policies and programmes that promote development in the state.

He explained that the initiative also aligns with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Okoko commended the people of Obot Akara for their continued support for President Tinubu, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. According to him, the initiative is also intended to strengthen political collaboration and prepare the ground for future elections and governance continuity.

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Aniekan Umanah, who also serves as the Director of Media and Publicity for the initiative, performed the inauguration of the local government executive. He urged members of the newly inaugurated team to work diligently towards ensuring electoral victories for President Tinubu, Governor Eno and Senate President Akpabio.

During the ceremony, the Executive Chairman of Obot Akara Local Government, Hon. Simon Dominic Akpan, was sworn in as the Chapter Coordinator, while Mrs. Veronica Akpan assumed office as Deputy Coordinator. Other members of the executive include Winifred Udo, Alphonsus Essien, Sunny Etim Umoh, Dennis Ibritam, Nsikak Ekpenyong, Mary Okon and Veronica Ntekpere, among others.

The local government advisory committee was also inaugurated, with Hon. Anietie Akpaetor serving as Chairman and Akaniyene Udonna as Secretary. Other members of the committee include Engr. Charles Usua, Dr. Samuel John, Ikpe Mma Nathan, Barr. Shilling Paul, Lady Cosmas Udo Enwenwen, Evang. Mendie, Hon. Etiebet Joshua and Hon. Jude Bassey Ekanem.

Earlier, the International Coordinator of the initiative, Sir Udo Kierian Akpan, explained that the organisation was conceived as a political and developmental coalition aimed at aligning the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, alongside the legislative leadership of Senate President Akpabio.

He added that the initiative seeks to promote unity, political cooperation and support for governance programmes that focus on economic growth, social development and improved welfare for citizens. He also noted that the group would mobilise support for the re-election of the trio in the next election cycle.

In his welcome remarks, the Executive Chairman of Obot Akara Local Government, Hon. Simon Akpan, described the establishment of the initiative in the area as a positive development. He stated that Obot Akara remains a stronghold of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and expressed confidence that the area would deliver victory for President Tinubu, Governor Eno and Senate President Akpabio in future elections.

Goodwill messages were delivered by several dignitaries, including former Dean of Commissioners Hon. Monday Uko; Secretary General of the initiative, Mr. Emmanuel Amama; Engr. Mrs. Rosemary Ekpenyong; Member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Jerry Otu; former lawmaker Rt. Hon. Idongesit Ntekpere; Mrs. Imaobong Samuel; and Barr. Cosmas Udoette. They highlighted the benefits the area has received under the APC-led government and reaffirmed their commitment to securing victory for the party’s candidates in the forthcoming elections.