April 15, (THEWILL) – Chapter Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 31 Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State, under the umbrella of Forum of APC Chapter Chairmen, have appealed to the leadership and stakeholders of the party, to consider a former Member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, for a ministerial appointment as the next federal cabinet is soon to be constituted.
The APC Chapter Chairmen in a communiqué, signed by Mr Akaniyene Ukpanah, Israel Tommy with 29 others, arising from an extraordinary meeting of the party in Uyo, Friday, and made available to THEWILL, noted that their position was based on the fact that Obong Ekpo has been found worthy in character, loyalty and his contributions to the party over the years has not been in doubt.
The Forum described Ekpo, who is also the National Coordinator, Akwa Ibom Democratic Forum (ADF), as a good material for ministerial appointment, expressing the hope that with his wealth of experience, he would not disappoint the state and the country if given the opportunity.
The communiqué recalled that as a true, loyal and committed party man, Ekpo, unconditionally relinquished the ticket of the party for the Akwa Ibom North-West (Ikot Ekpene) Senatorial District seat to Senator Godswill Akpabio, stressing that such act should be compensated adequately.
The Chapter Chairmen in the communiqué also condemned the recent attempt by some stakeholders of the party in the state to fabricate lies to tarnish the good image of the senator elect for Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, Chief Godswill Akpabio.
The communiqué reads in part: “We want to use this medium to call on the political merchandise, who go round the streets of Abuja to castigate and fabricate lies against our leader, Chief Godswill Akpabio, to refrain from such act, else, the wrath of the party as embedded in the constitution will not spare such characters who perpetuate such act. The party will not condone the pulling down of our leader.”
It advised the stakeholders to join hands to support and work together with Chief Godswill Akpabio to move the party forward, assuming that dividends of democracy shall emanate through party recommendations.
Meanwhile, the forum, which passed a vote of confidence on the State Chairman of the Party, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, expressed satisfaction with his performance since assumption of office as the authentic State Chairman of the party.
They commended Ntukekpo for working tirelessly and sincerely for the party before, during and after the general elections.
They, however, lamented that while some stakeholders were working against the interest of the party in the state, Obong Ntukekpo was committed at ensuring that the party succeeds.
The APC Chapter Chairmen described any allegation levelled against the State Chairman of the Party as baseless, assuring that they will continue to work together with him to ensure that he takes the party to greater height.
