By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
Ahead of the forthcoming local government elections in Akwa Ibom, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) last weekend nominated her 31 Chairmanship and 368 councillorship candidates in the State.
The nomination which was largely through an affirmative nomination process, has been hailed as one of the most peaceful, fair and credible in the history of the party in the state
Governor Umo Eno, who participated in the Primary election in Nsit Ubium local government, ascribed the success of the Party’s primary elections, largely to the peace enjoyed in the State, which he said is a result of the general disposition of his administration and the people of the state.
Eno, who is also the leader of PDP in the state, appreciated the people of the state, particularly party faithful for conducting themselves and the exercise peacefully, especially in a period where several parts of the country are not enjoying the ambience experienced in Akwa Ibom, while reiterating his commitment to unveil and implement more welfare packages for the youths.
The Governor congratulated the chairmanship candidate of Nsit Ubium, Mr Alfred Charles and all councilorship candidates who emerged from the nomination exercise, tasking them to be ready to work and maintain the democratic ethos of the PDP as well as contribute to driving the community development efforts encapsulated in his ARISE Agenda.
In Oron Local Government Area where the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi,also took part in the primaries, she alluded that PDP has once again shown good example in orderliness and peace, holding that the Eno administration remained a shinning example of good conduct which she said has easily transcended to every part of the state.
In Ikot Akpa Nkuk, Ukanafun, the State Chairman of the PDP, Rt Hon Mr Aniekan Akpan, who witnessed the nomination of the Chairmanship candidate, Mr Uyo Ukpanah, lauded the delegates and party faithful for the success, restating the party’s readiness to win at the polls and continuing to deliver good governance to the people.
In Abak, the primaries ended on a peaceful note as delegates converged on the Independence Hall, Abak, to elect Mrs Ime Charles as the party flag bearer in the forthcoming local government elections.
Taking turns to appreciate people of the area for their peaceful conduct stakeholders including the Speaker of the State Assembly, Mr Udeme Otong, immediate past National Assembly member, Hon Aniekan Umanah and other leaders in Abak, predicted massive victory for the party in the October 5 polls.
In Uyo Ward 7 where the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, joined other party faithful in the area to vote in affirmation of their preferred Councillorship aspirant, Mr Uduakabasi Sunday Dan, Party men trouped out in their numbers and queued behind the councillorship candidate to affirm their support for his candidature.
Speaking shortly after the exercise, the SSG described the process as peaceful and lauded the leadership of the PDP in the state for effective leadership and proper organization, adding that his ward was the first to benefit from the Eno administration through himself, being the first to be appointed into the Governor’s cabinet after swearing in, and as such, they had good reason to be loyal to the PDP.
Later on, at the Local Government Council Secretariat, Venue for the chairmanship nomination exercise, Dr Uwemedimoh Udo, incumbent Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area emerged Chairmanship candidate of the party after clinging all 42 delegate votes cast in affirmation of his candidature.
In Itu Local Government Area, where delegates cast their votes to affirm the emergence of Mr Ubong Wilson Ukut, the Deputy Speaker of the State Assembly, Mr Kufreabasi Edidem, who addressed the press, remarked that the party faithful and leaders in Itu have followed the steps of Gov Umo Eno in conducting themselves peacefully and orderly without rancor, to produce a widely accepted candidate for PDP in the October poll.
At Utu Etim Ekpo, the Etim Ekpo Local Government Council Headquarters, where Gideon Uwa emerged as the Chairmanship Candidate, Former National Legal Adviser of the PDP, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN, lauded the PDP faithful for their orderliness throughout the exercise, even as he described the Nomination as the most peaceful in the history of Primary elections in Nigeria.
State Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ini Ememobong, speaking in Oko-Ita, Ibiono Ibom, shortly after Comrade Asuakak Umoh was affirmed and declared the party’s candidate for the Chairmanship poll, noted that the people of Ibiono Ibom are resolute in maintaining peace and order in their affairs, holding that they will remain supportive to Gov Umo Eno and the ARISE Agenda.
In Ini LGA where Comrade Inibehe Umah was declared the winner, the state commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor expressed delight at the peaceful conduct of the exercise and sued for continued support for the administration of Eno, while also urging the flag-bearer not to disappoint the confidence reposed on him by the people of Ini.
