As 2015 Governorship Battle Gets Fierce:Itu/Ibiono Federal Constituency Rejects Senate Seat

Says It Is Their Turn To Produce The Next Governor

By Ekebo Ekanem

As the battle to occupy the hilltop mansion in the fourth coming 2015 governorship election takes another fierce dimension, the people of Itu and Ibiono Ibom federal constituency have said that the area will produce the next governor of Akwa Ibom State come 2015, as it was their turn, and not a senator.

Obong Bassey Albert Akpan(OBA), former Finance
Commissioner and one of the strong contenders for 2015
Governorship in AKS

Speaking at a grand reception organized by the people of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area in honour of their son and former commissioner for finance, Obong Bassey Albert Akpan, the Executive Chairman of Ibiono Local Government, Obong Godwin Ekpo, while addressing the mammoth crowd at the event maintained that Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency has chosen a governor and not a senator.

Obong Ekpo who spoke on behalf of the good people of Ibiono Ibom expressed gratitude to the state governor, Chief Dr. Godswill Obot Akpabio for appointing their son, Obong Bassey Albert Akpan to serve  in his cabinet as a commissioner for finance between 2007-2014. The council boss also commended their son, Obong Bassey Albert Akpan for serving the state meritoriously without being questioned by his boss and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (E.F.C.C.) in particular and for not bringing shame and embarrassment to the people of the area in general. He assured Obong Akpan that the people of Ibiono Ibom will stand by him during and after his election, stressing that OBA(as Obong Albert is fondly called) will not only contest the election but will win.

Also speaking, the Paramount Ruler of Ibiono Ibom and former chairman, state council of chiefs, Okuku Dr. Ime Udousoro Inyang thanked the people for supporting their greatest son, and advised him to put God first in his daily activities. The Paramount Ruler also commended Obong Bassey Albert Akpan for serving the State successfully without blame and presented a sword to him.

On his path, the member representing Itu/Ibiono Federal Constituency in the House of Representative, Rt. Hon. Keneth Archibong while presenting his goodwill message said “Obong Bassey Albert is the next governor of Akwa Ibom State” adding that the uncommon transformation witnessed in the state is due to the positive contributions made by OBA while he served as  finance commissioner. The lawmaker stated that noted that “he is capable to take-over from Gov. Akpabio”.
Speaking on behalf of Etinan Federal Constituency, a petroleum dealer cum politician, Hon. Imoh Udofot said Obong Bassey Albert is the only aspirant that walked in through the front door to Etinan Federal Constituency during his consultation tour noting that the people have accepted him to take-over from the governor in 2015. His Uyo Federal Constituency counterpart and former member representing Uyo in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Archibong Inyang said his aspiration was not negotiable.
His representative of Uruan in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Kufreabasi Etuk who spoke on behalf of his colleagues in the State House of Assembly thanked Gov. Akpabio for equipping Obong Bassey Albert with the necessary knowledge while he serve as Commissioner to be worthy to take over from him.

Speaking of on behalf of the women, Obongemen Sarah Urua promised the support of the women to the realization of OBA’s governorship a ambition. The National President, Ibiono Ibom Youths for Democracy, Comrade Moses Essien described Obong Bassey Albert as their benefactor and pledged the support of the youths to his 2015 project.
Responding, the former commissioner for finance, Obong Bassey Albert Akpan expressed appreciation to the people of Akwa Ibom State for the honour done  him and described the event as home coming. He said the people of Uyo Senatorial District have appealed to the leader of the state, Chief Godswill Akpabio who was supported by the people of Uyo Senatorial District for an opportunity  to produce the next governor come 2015.

Obong Bassey Albert who is also the Enin Ibiono Ibom maintained Etinan Federal Constituency has produced Late Obong Akpan Isemin, and Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga and that Uyo Senatorial District has taken its turn in the person of Obong Victor Attah whom he described as a visionary leader, stressing that Itu/Ibiono federal constituency should be considered for the slot in 2015.

The former finance commissioner also assured the people that he will not negotiate their right adding that if elected as the next governor, he will not disappoint the people. He thanked Gov. Akpabio for the confidence and trust reposed on him to serve in his cabinet disclosing that he has no grouse with the governor.
Obong Akpan asserted that once the P.D.P releases it guidelines, he will formally declare his intension adding that power belongs to God. He thanked the people for supporting President Goodluck Jonathan maintaining that as he is campaigning to become the governor, he will also campaign for the re-election of President  Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.
The event which took place at Ikpa Pavillion, Oko-Ita attracted prominent personalities across the state.