By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has conducted special elective congresses to constitute new executive committees and fill vacant positions in 80 wards across 25 local government chapters in Akwa Ibom.
This followed the creation of 39 additional wards by the State Independent Electoral Commission,(AKISIEC) in addition to the 329 already existing across the state last August.
The congresses which held weekend at the affected ward centers was generally peaceful with stakeholders lauding the party’s leadership at the state for accommodating the interests of members.
The state chairman of the party, Obong Udo Ekpenyong, while addressing stakeholders and members before the distribution of materials for the conduct of the congress, maintained that the Congress would be conducted in strict adherence to the PDP constitution.
Ekpenyong explained that while the new wards needed properly constituted executive committees, it was important to get replacement for vacant positions left behind by ward officers who either resigned to vie for positions in the October 31 local government election, or have moved to the new wards.
The chairman tasked party officers involved in the exercise to uphold the democratic ideals of fairness, transparency, equity and peace which the PDP in state is known for.
Stakeholders and members who took part in the congresses commended Ekpenyong-led leadership of the PDP for taking proactive measures to ensure that the congress was peaceful and rancour-free across the 80 wards.
“What is happening today is very commendable. It shows that the current leadership has placed the interest of the Party as utmost priority. As a person, I must confess that I am very impressed with the leadership of Hon. Udo Ekpenyong.” Mr Effiong Okon, a PDP member in Nung Atai Ube Ward 2, Okobo local council said.
In Uyo senatorial district, the congresses held in Uyo, Uruan, Ibesikpo Asutan, Nsit Ibom, Nsit Ubium, Etinan, Ibiono Ibom and Itu chapters while it was conducted in wards across Ikot Ekpene, Easien Udim, Obot Akara, Ini, Ikono, Abak, Etim Ekpo, Oruk Anam and Ukanafun chapters in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District.
In Eket Senatorial District, congresses held in wards across Eket, Esit Eket, Onna, Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin, Oron, Okobo and Mbo chapters even as the party is set to fill candidates in the October 31 LGA elections for all 31 local government areas and 368 wards.
