By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo
Stakeholders have commended the peaceful conduct of the Ward Congresses of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Akwa Ibom which held on Thursday across the 368 Wards in the state.
This is even as reports from party faithfuls and independent monitors indicate a process long concluded by many wards who had before the Congress reached consensus on their representatives.
In Ikono, a team of monitors reported that the election materials arrived Ikono Divisional Police Station at about 11.20am for onward delivery to the respective wards.
In Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, a monitoring team visited Ibiono Western 2, Ward 5, one of the newly created Wards by Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission, AKISIEC reported that the people of the Ward were thankful for the closeness of their new ward to them as they held their first Ward Congress.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Rt. Hon. Ime Bassey Okon, thanked Governor Udom Emmanuel for the recognition he has given the area by appointing their son, Comrade Ini Ememobong as a member of the State Executive Council.
The report from Ini Local Government Area indicated that materials arrived the Council Secretariat, Odoro Ikpe at about 11.40am for onward distribution to the 11 wards.
State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Glory Edet commended the electorate for their peaceful conduct and urged them to continue in their support to the candidate even as the returning officer, Mr. Monday James Akpan described the process as peaceful and worthy of commendation.
In Okobo local council, the monitoring team observed that materials arrived the Divisional Police Headquarters early enough and were distributed to ward officials for onward circulation to the wards.
In Ibesikpo Asutan LGA materials for the local government arrived by 11:35 AM. After accreditation, agents and returning officers were admitted into the council hall, venue for the distribution of materials to various Wards.
State PDP chairman Mr Udo Ekpenyong while addressing congress officials had reminded them that the PDP in the State has set for itself a reputation of conducting peaceful, credible and fair nominations, urging them to sustain the reputation.
“As messengers of the Party we are asking you to ensure that everything you do conform to this present administration’s overall intention to lead a fair, and people-centric processes of nominations.
“Everything that we have done since the commencement of this process have been transparent, fair and credible. As party Chairman, I will ask that you do everything to maintain this.” The chairman said.
