BY: UNYIME BASSEY
Special Assistant to the Governor on Petroleum (Fuel Dump), Mr Idongesit Samuel, has led a delegation of recent defectors to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a strategic engagement with party leaders in Uyo Urban Ward 1.
The meeting which held yesterday along Aka Etinan Road, Uyo, was part of ongoing efforts to consolidate grassroots support for Governor Umo Eno’s administration following his movement to the APC.
Speaking at the session, Mr Samuel said the engagement was geared towards fostering unity and promoting the development-oriented ideals of the Governor’s ARISE Agenda, alongside the Renewed Hope vision of President Bola Tinubu.
He noted that Governor Eno’s move to the centre after a decade-long disconnect would translate to greater benefits for the people of Akwa Ibom, particularly at the grassroots. He assured the party leaders that the new members from Uyo Urban 1 would offer their full support to the Governor’s political direction.
“Our leader, His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno, Ph.D, has demonstrated leadership with results. From Agriculture, to Rural Development, to infrastructure, human capital development, Security, Education and other sectors, our people have testified to his superlative achievements. So, we are here to support that effort and to consolidate APC’s structure in Uyo,” he said.
Mr Samuel also pledged to work closely with the Secretary to the State Government who is the political leader of Uyo, Prince Enobong Uwah, as well as other stakeholders in the ward and Uyo at large, to realise the Governor’s vision in the build-up to 2027 and beyond.
Also speaking, the Personal Assistant to the Governor in Uyo Urban Ward 1, Hon NseAbasi Ndor, praised the unity in the ward, describing it as a model for others. He said the new entrants were not in the party to seek positions but to contribute meaningfully to development and empowerment.
He also informed the party structure that more political blocs will be joining to strengthen the party, including the Expanded Ward Elders, Unit Coordinators, critical stakeholders, as well as women and youth groups, who will meet with the party structure for further consolidation.
He stated emphatically: “We are here to develop our people, not to create divisions. What we want is progress and peace.”
In their separate remarks, the APC Ward Chairman, Obong Samuel Archibong, and the Uyo Chapter Chairman, Obong Gabriel Ikpe, commended the Political Appointees. They described the meeting as a major step towards political cohesion and party strengthening.
“We welcome you fully into the APC fold. Your membership rights are equal. No one will discriminate. We want unity, not conflict,” they stated.
Among those present at the event were Dr Roberta Edem, Commissioner II, House of Assembly Service Commission; Hon Pst Eyo Dan, Councillor, Uyo Ward 1; Hon Kufre Mendie, Supervisor for Intergovernmental Affairs, Uyo LG; and Hon Roberto Edem, Supervisor for Cooperative Development, Uyo LG.
They all pledged loyalty to the party and reiterated their commitment to grassroots mobilisation in support of Governor Eno’s programmes and political future.
