Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has directed an unconditional reintegration of returnees of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), into the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across the different wards and chapters.
He gave the directive yesterday while receiving dozens of YPP returnees led by Mr. Ubong Edem, at Government House, Uyo.
According to the governor, in politics, it is normal for people to toe different paths and create a healthy opposition, based on long- standing relationships and convictions.
He stated that a healthy opposition helps to challenge the government to gear up to greater performance, especially if it is done devoid of bitterness or enmity.
He said: “Thank you for the fight you put up. maybe we wouldn’t have been where we are today, but for your resistance.
Power is not supposed to be a walkover. There must be some level of resistance and it is that fight that made us prepare better and stay more focused. So, you did the right thing. And where there is no opposition, the government could take the people for granted, so I thank you.”
The governor commended the returnees’ resolve to join hands in building the state and assured them that the PDP family at their respective wards will receive them back without any form of discrimination.
Governor Eno urged them to treasure their restoration by maintaining their resolution to stay within the PDP fold and demonstrate their support to the government with hard work in line with the tenets of the ARISE agenda.
He urged them to ensure sincerity, commitment and steadfastness, while cautioning against attempts to dislodge or displace those that held the party while they were away, and reaffirmed that his administration will ensure inclusiveness and equity.