A former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare in Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Eunice Thomas, has declared that the battle line has been drawn between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State.
The declaration comes about 72 hours to the local government elections scheduled for Saturday October 5, 2024 in state, and with political parties intensifying last minutes campaigns.
Thomas, a Non-Executive Director on the board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and chieftain of the APC, assured that voters across the units and wards in Ibeno local government area have been sufficiently mobilised to deliver victory for the chairmanship and councillorship candidates of the party.
The APC women leader gave the assurance when she led party faithful to a campaign rally at Upenekang community of the LGA, urging that all hands should be on deck to defeat the ruling PDP.
Elders, youth leaders, women, traditional rulers and stakeholders also took turns to eulogise President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity given their daughter to serve in the federal government, assuring that such gesture would be rewarded with their support for the party and the administration.
Besides, they acknowledged the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio’s representation and immense efforts in uniting the party in the State, and Mrs. Thomas, for her “huge effort in energising and transforming the party in Ibeno LGA, ensuring unity of purpose and making it formidable.”
Thomas also led a solemn moment in honour of the late First Lady of the State, Patience Umo Eno, extolling her virtues while praying for her husband, Governor Umo Eno, the first family, and the entire Akwa Ibom community during this period of grief.
Highlighting her continuous efforts in empowering women and youths through business support, vocational training, and scholarships, Thomas, called on supporters to vote for the APC chairmanship candidate, Inyang – Umar Efanga, as well as the councillorship candidates of the party.
She emphasised that, “Efanga, alongside the APC councilorship candidates in the 10 wards of Ibeno, are prepared to deliver effective leadership,” and urged residents to come out early for accreditation, cast their votes, and ensure their votes are counted.
For his part, the chairmanship candidate, Mr. Efanga pledged to prioritise education, healthcare, and vocational training, with a focus on youth certification in the oil and gas sector.
He also promised to work closely with traditional institutions to develop rural wards across Ibeno.
