Bishop Akpan Opens up on 2011 agreement with Akpabio

…Declares Ambition for 2015 Gov’ship…Consults PDP State Executives, as he opens campaign office in Uyo

By Ekebo Ekanem

The 2015 governorship ambition of the former state deputy Chairman of PDP, Bishop Samuel Akpan recently gathered momentum, following his endorsement by political groups and the people. The Ibibio museum park, Venue of the declaration ceremony was filled to capacity by thousands of supporters and party faithful.

The Governorship hopeful, Bishop Samuel Friday Akpan during the event also consulted the PDP State Executive committee members of the Party to seek their support for his ambition.

Bishop Sam Akpan, Governorship Aspirant,AKS

At the Party Secretariat, Edet Akpan Avenue, Uyo, the former P.D.P Deputy State Chairman, Bishop Akpan who was flanked by his wife, Vivian, members of his Campaign organization and his supporters, was received by the state Chairman of P.D.P Obong Paul Ekpo and other SWC members.

Addressing the PDP State Exco members, Bishop Akpan said he was at the Party Secretariat to inform the Party of his ambition to govern Akwa Ibom State and to seek their support. He noted that as an active member of P.D.P, he has worked, obeyed  and rendered great services for P.D.P in Akwa Ibom State, adding that he knew how P.D.P  started in the state.

Bishop Akpan further thanked the State Chapter Chairman of P.D.P for zoning the 2015 Governorship ticket to Eket Senatorial District and commended the Party Leader, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio for standing by the truth, equity and Justice. He recalled that in 2011 governorship race, no Eket Federal Constituency indigene contested for the position, pointing out that it was time for the Party to support their own turn, adding that his Constituency stood by him to return Godswill Akpabio despite the opposition by then.

Bishop Akpan said he was the one who brought and signed the result sheet and told governor Akpabio that he is the one that won the election, stressing that it took  five days sleepless night at AKHA Complex and three days at Ibom Hall Grounds to ensure that Governor Akpabio was delivered, noting that as the presiding officer in delivery the time has come for the party to look at their own, adding that he was more than qualified to be the next governor, come 2015.

Bishop Samuel Akpan in his address during the visit maintained that in 2008 as a very committee Party man, he was active in placing the 31 Council Chairmen and 329 Councilors in the State.  He said he is not only contesting, but he will win the election, adding that he has never shown favour to anyone based on conditions. Responding, the state Chairman of P.D.P, Obong Paul Ekpo described Bishop Akpan as a committed, loyal, dedicated and a strong member of PDP who has contributed immensely in ensuring the victory of the party when the need arises. He said Bishop Akpan as an active Political administrator, a great mobilizer and a grand commander of mobilization urged politicians to separate politics from their personal relationship with persons, adding that politics is a game of interest.  He  urged political office seekers to play politics professionally and according to the rules and regulations of the game.

Obong Ekpo said he was trained by his master Bishop Akpan and promised that  the Party will ensure a free and level playing field for all those contesting for Governorship seat.

The train later moved to the declaration ground where the governorship hopeful and President GoodLuck Jonathan was endorsed for the 2015 governorship and Presidential elections, come 2015.

Bishop Akpan in his acceptance speech of the endorsement by political groups and individuals promised to eradicate poverty, unemployment, hunger, and also industrialize the state, assured that if elected, the Obio Akpa Campus of Akwa Ibom State University will be upgraded to a full flesh University of Agriculture. He said he has never betrayed Governor Akpabio an inch, and that he has made Akpabio’s family proud as he has earlier promised Late Udoh Akpabio in the dream.

He thanked President GoodLuck Jonathan for accepting to run for a Second term and assured that no single vote will be lost in Akwa Ibom State as all will be for President GoodLuck Jonathan.

The event also featured inauguration of his campaign office in Uyo, along Edet Akpan Avenue. Among those that graced the occasion were, Apostle (Dr) Ekpe James, Hon. (Dr) Oton Charlie, Engr. Ephraim Udo, Dr. Roland Eyime, South South National Treasurer, Jonathan mandate Group, Mr. James Omokiti, Director Planning – JOMAG and Alex Eseka – Cordinator JOMAG, Delta State.  There were political groups, women  and youth groups from across all parts of the state who graced the event.