Ahead of Saturday’s reception for Akwa Ibom State governor, Umo Eno, and other Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) decampees into the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has urged APC stakeholders and members to unite and accommodate the newcomers.
LEADERSHIP learnt that Governor Eno, who recently quit PDP for APC, would be received with his cabinet officials, federal and state Assembly members, local government chairmen, councillors, the 368 wards’ leaders and key stakeholders at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, the state capital on Saturday.
However, addressing APC supporters and stakeholders at his Shelter Aftique home in Uyo, Akpabio appealed for collaboration with the former opposition members, who have chosen to join the APC.
He assured the APC faithful that the proposed political realignment would attract significant federal interventions to Akwa Ibom, which will improve the welfare of the people.
He said: “Let me assure everyone that the current political alignment will bring substantial federal interventions to Akwa Ibom, focused on improving the welfare and development of our people.
“Following extensive consultations with all stakeholders, Governor Umo declared that it was necessary for us in the State to support our son, and also support President Bola Tinubu, for recognising an Akwa Ibom indigene as worthy to be the third citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“But now, it is time for the entire state to follow him, as he has consulted widely—from traditional rulers to the political class across all political parties.
“I must also inform you that it is not only the governor and the PDP who will be joining us; all other political parties are set to come on board. For the first time in the history of Akwa Ibom state, we are likely to witness a rancour-free election.
“There is no need for internal disputes or discord. The APC is broad enough to accommodate everyone, and that is the essence of this new alignment. Being connected to the centre brings increased federal presence in terms of projects and human capital development. What we expect from both longstanding and new party members is unity and peace, in the overall interest of our beloved state.”
Also speaking, the APC state chairman, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, thanked the Senate President for his support and commitment to the vision of a united Akwa Ibom.
In the same vein, the former Petroleum minister, Atuekong Don Etiebet, who spoke on behalf of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, noted that it was evident God had worked through Senator Akpabio to unite the people of the state under one political platform, the APC.
He affirmed that the people of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District fully supported the grand reception of Governor Umo Eno and other defecting PDP members.
For his part, elder statesman and former state chairman of the PDP, Arc. Otu Ita Toyo, noted that the political unification of parties in the state was of great significance to the people of Eket Senatorial District, hence their support for Senator Akpabio’s call for total harmonisation of political parties in the state.
The APC leader of Uyo Senatorial District and former Military Administrator of Ogun and Rivers States, Group Captain Sam Ewang (retired), recalled that being in opposition in the state had previously caused APC members considerable hardship.
He expressed optimism that with the defection of the governor and other key stakeholders, a brighter future was in the offing for party members in the state.
The APC stakeholders from the three Senatorial Districts said they will work with former PDP members to achieve lasting political harmony in the state.
