•Stresses need for unity, accountability

Stakeholders in Esit Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State on Wednesday declare support for the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Ekong Sampson, and the Member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Okpolupm Etteh.

The Stakeholders, who made the declaration at a Town Hall Meeting, resolved to focus on unity of purpose, sustainable development and social democracy.

The meeting, attended by political leaders, entrepreneurs, elders, women and youth groups, emphasised collective responsibility in advancing the collective interest of Esit Eket to enhance growth and opportunities.

The gathering also encouraged indigenes of Esit Eket to embrace Arise Agenda and Renewed Hope by mobilising support for the Second term bids of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senator Ekong Sampson and Rt Hon Okpolobom Etteh.

Setting the tone, a former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Sir Barr. Bassey Dan Abia Snr. described the gathering as community-driven, noting that participation in such engagements remains a civic responsibility and progressive politics.

“For the avoidance of doubt, this is the Esit Eket Stakeholders meeting. Regardless, we are overwhelmingly APC in Esit Eket and part of the ruling party in Akwa Ibom and Nigeria. Our agenda is how to move Esit Eket forward and recalibrate its growth paths. We must also be conscious of what happens to our community and its people,” he said.

Also speaking, a former member and spokesperson for the House of Representatives and currently, Special Adviser to the President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, called for accountability and transparency in the management of the PIA commonwealth, particularly the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) fund, urging relevant authorities to interrogate the several governance breaches and misrepresentations in the management and implementation of the Host Community Development Trust Fund. Be it is a community development interventionist fund, we must not rest on oars but keep our eyes on the ball.

“We are here to provide a platform for everyone to ask questions, seek answers and participate in every acts of civil and political rights unimpeded,” he stated.

A former Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Barr. Bassey Essien, also addressed the gathering, while ex-lawmaker, Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh, urged the council chairman to convene a broader stakeholders’ meeting. He maintained that zoning remains critical in political stability and expressed confidence that the state government would uphold the principle in every circumstance.

Akpanusoh reaffirmed support for Hon. Etteh in the House of Representatives, noting that the zoning favours Ibeno, while backing Senator Sampson for the Senate. He further advised that a delegation be sent to the paramount ruler to formally convene a broader Stakeholders' meeting to address series of development concerns of the Local Government.

The meeting featured contributions from representatives of the three zones in Esit Eket.

Speaking for Zone A, Prince Godwin Peter commended the unity among stakeholders and pledged alignment with community decisions, stressing that Hon. Etteh should be given the opportunity for the second term.

For Zone B, Dr. Victor Dan Ikott described the political direction as “a straight path,” affirming support for Tinubu, Akpabio, Sampson and Etteh, while noting that the State House of Assembly position would be decided by the zone.

Representing Zone C, Senior Christ Servant Martins Umoyo endorsed a second term for Governor Umo Eno alongside Tinubu, Akpabio and Etteh, urging continued confidence in the current leadership in the State and the Nigerian nation.

Speaking on behalf of women, Mercy Sam called for increased development efforts and inclusion of women in governance, emphasising the need for visible impact in the community.

Youth representative, Comrade Bassey Bassey Abia, pledged the support of young people for the decisions of the elders, while urging that indigenous interests be protected.

The meeting concluded with a renewed call for unity, transparency, and inclusive leadership as stakeholders seek to chart a common political path for Esit Eket ahead of future elections.

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