The Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo has continued to canvass support for all Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) candidates including the return of the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel in other to maintain positive change.
In a release signed by Esther Effiong, Mr. Ekpo made the appeal at the 30th anniversary celebration and conferment of honorary chieftaincy titles and awards of Annang Based Unity Development Association, ABUDA, in Rivers State held, Saturday at the Catholic Institute of West Africa, Artillery, Port Harcourt.
The Deputy Governor said a vote for the PDP would completely turn around the economic fortunes of Nigeria and restore her lost glory which he said has been carted away by the enemies of the country.
He restated the resolve of the Udom- led administration to reinvent and transform Akwa Ibom into an industrial hub in the gulf of guinea region.
Ekpo commended the leadership of ABUDA for keeping the flag of the organization flying and sustaining the ideals of the founding fathers.
He also commended the government of Rivers State for accommodating the Annang Community in Rivers State, thereby maintaining the symbiotic relationship existing between the two States and urged those who registered to vote in Rivers State to ensure that they return Governor Nyesom Wike as Governor of Rivers State and Atiku Abubakar as the President.
He further reminded them that the people of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District had unanimously selected Engr. Chris Ekpenyong to represent the District at the senate, and called for their support for him and other PDP candidates within the senatorial District.
The Deputy Governor also reminded the Annang people that “the 2019 election is not just about Udom Emmanuel, it’s about fairness and equity, about respecting the zoning and allowing each Senatorial District to complete eight years. It’s about the integrity of Annang people and our children, for us to be recognized as credible people”.
In his welcome address, the President Annang Community, ABUDA in Rivers State, Dr. Imoh Abasumoh said the organization which has existed for 30 years in Rivers State seeks to promote the unity and progress of the citizens of Annang ethnic nationality as well as encourage developmental projects for the benefit of members.
Abasumoh commended the founding fathers for their foresight and the Rivers State government for the peaceful coexistence and promised to continue to sustain the cordial relationship existing between them.
He however, appealed for support for the building of a permanent secretariat for the organization.
The Chairman , Akwa Ibom community in Rivers and Bayelsa States, His Royal Highness, Obong Patrick Udoh while expressing appreciation to the Annang people for their support since his installation as Chairman in 2002, called on them to prepare to vote wisely during the coming elections.
The highpoint of the occasion was the conferment of awards to deserving sons and daughters of Annang and the host community, including a posthumous chieftaincy title conferred on the late elder brother of the Deputy Governor, Late Elder Okon Frank Ekpo for being one of the founding fathers of ABUDA.
Other recipients of the honorary chieftaincy awards included the Chairmen of Abak, Barr. Imo Willaims, Oruk Anam, Rt. Hon. Udeme Idiong and Ika Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Anthony Udousung.
The event was attended by distinguished sons and daughters of Annang land and members of the host community.