President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called on stakeholders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State to collaborate with members of the Peoples’ Democratic Party who have decided to join the APC in order to foster unity in the state.
Addressing APC stakeholders from the 31 local government councils in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital on Wednesday, Akpabio assured the APC members that the proposed political alignment would attract significant federal interventions to Akwa Ibom, aimed at improving the welfare and development of the people.
A statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom quoted the Senate President as saying, ” let me assure us all that the current political alignment will attract significant federal interventions to Akwa Ibom, aimed at improving the welfare and development of our people.
“Governor Umo after serious consultation with all stakeholders declared that there was need for us in the State to support our son, and also support the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding an Akwa Ibom son of worthy to be the Number three citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“But now it is time for the whole State to follow him because he has done wide consultation from traditional rulers to the political class across all political parties.
“And I must inform you that it is not only the Governor and the PDP that will join us, all other political parties are going to join us. So for the first time in the history of Akwa Ibom State, we are most likely going to have a rancour free election,” he said.
” There is no need for internal squabbles and wrangling. APC is big enough to accommodate everyone and that is what the new alignment comes with. Being linked to the centre comes with a lot of federal presence in terms of projects and human capital development. What we want from party members, both old and new is to be united and remain peaceful in the overall interest of our dear state.
Also speaking, the APC State Chairman, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, expressed gratitude to the Senate President for his unwavering support to the party and his commitment to the vision of a united Akwa Ibom.
Speaking on behalf of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, former Petroleum Minister, Atuekong Don Etiebet said it was evident that God has worked through Senator Akpabio to unite the people of Akwa Ibom State together under one political platform, the APC. He said the people of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District are in full support of the grand reception of Governor Umo Eno and other defecting members of the PDP.
On his part, Elder Statesman and former State Chairman of the PDP, Architect Otu Ita Toyo said the political unification of political parties in the State, was of great importance to the people of Eket Senatorial District hence the need for them to support the call by Senator Akpabio for total harmonization of political parties in the State.
The APC leader of Uyo Senatorial District and former Military Administrator of Ogun and Rivers State, Group Captain Sam Ewang (rtd) said being in the opposition in the State had caused members of the APC severe hardship in the past. He said with the defection of the Governor and other key stakeholders he anticipated a brighter future for members of the party in the State.
Stakeholders of APC from the three senatorial districts pledged their willingness to work together with former PDP members to achieve lasting political harmony in the state.
