By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
Ahead of his May 29 inauguration, a socio-political group committed to liberal democratic government of national unity, has commended the President -elect, Mr Bola Tinubu, for his open declaration to run the new administration with competent Nigerians of all divides, irrespective of ethno-religious sensibilities.
The organization, Abak Five- In – One Consolidated Movement (AFCM), in a communique after its enlarged meeting yesterday in Uyo, t
decried pockets of petitions against the emergence of the Tinubu/Shettima ticket, describing such action as the handiwork of mischief makers with the sole aim of fanning the embers of ethnicity to overheat the polity.
Urging the President-elect not to be wavered in his avowed mission to re-launch the country along the path of socio-economic recovery with the help of competent technocrats, the International President of the group, Prince Kokoette Ekpo, who read the communique, made a case for the former Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Udom Ekpoudom, as the next cabinet member to represent Akwa Ibom State in the Federal Executive Council (FEC), in the new dispensation.
Ekpo, who applauded Tinubu, for rooting for the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, as the next Senate President, recalled the role the former Police chief played for him (Akpabio) to emerge as the APC Senatorial candidate and subsequent victory at the polls, noting that such gesture should be rewarded.
According to the communique, “we can recall that after the Supreme Court ruling gave victory to Senator Akpabio, DIG Ekpoudom, displayed true spirit of sportsmanship by accepting the outcome in good faith, and offered to work for the success of the party in all the elections, which ensured that Tinubu secured more votes and three National Assembly members emerged from the State.
“Ekpoudom, is a loyal and committed party man, who has over the years worked for the unity, progress and development of the party at all levels. He is a detribilized Nigerian, who has paid his dues in public service, and we believe he would work to contribute diligently and positively towards the success of the incoming administration, as well as attracting the much – needed dividends of democracy to the people of the State and the country.”
Besides, the group commended the APC National Working Committee (NWC), for zoning the Senate presidency slot to the South-South, and applauded Tinubu, for finding Akpabio worthy to occupy the stool in the parliamentary regime, and appealed to him not to succumb to political pressures to rescind his position.
“South-South has never tasted such position since the return of democracy in 1999. Senator Akpabio, has all it takes to lead the Red Chamber, as a former Governor, Minority Whip, Minister, and a returning Senator. He is a true nationalist that will bring his ingenuity to bear in helping the incoming administration to recreate a new Nigeria of our dream.” The communique stressed.
