Akwa Ibom APC Coalition poised for progress, appoints Sen. Udoedehe as Grand Leader
Akwa Ibom APC Coalition, a conglomerate of structures within the Akwa Ibom State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been officially inaugurated.
The event presided over by Archbishop Samuel Akpan also witnessed the inauguration of APC National Secretary, Senator John James Udoedehe as the Grand Leader of the group.
Speaking before inaugurating members of the group, Archbishop Akpan, who emerged as President General of the group, stated that the essence of forming the coalition was to “solidify the foundation of APC in the state.”
Akpan, a veteran politician in the state, posited that for the APC to progress in Akwa Ibom, the party must choose to thread the path of unity.
He recommended restrategizing and sincere reconciliation as roadmap for the party’s glorious future.
He suggested that for genuine progress to be made in the party, every stakeholder must imbue the virtues of sacrifice and diligence.
He counselled the inaugurated members to work relentlessly to ensure the APC wins the 2023 general elections in the state.
Speaking on the choice of Senator Udoedehe as National Leader of the group, Archbishop Akpan said it was the unanimous decision of members, having admired Udoedehe’s contributions to progress of the party.
Also speaking, Chief Godwin Afangideh, who hosted the event, thanked the stakeholders for accepting to come together to chart a course for the future.
Former State Chairman and 2019 Deputy Governorship Candidate of the party, Dr. Amadu Attai also commended the stakeholders for taking up the task of building the party. He noted that he was highly impressed by the huge turnout.
2019 Senatorial hopeful, Chief Otu Ita Toyo equally lauded members and particularly congratulated Sen. Udoedehe for being a good ambassador of Akwa Ibom APC at the national level.
Chief Toyo posited that Udoedehe, having worked for the party, deserves the office he is occupying.
“If you want to contest for governorship, there is nobody more qualified than you,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the women, Lady Victoria Mel stressed that party women remain committed to the growth of the party, but called for their efforts to always acknowledged and rewarded by the party.
The stakeholders while bestowing the position of Grand Leader of the forum to Udoedehe also passed a vote-of-confidence on him.
In his reaction, Sen. Udoedehe thanked the stakeholders for the honour, saying it would spur him to serve the party more meritoriously.
He said the stakeholders had tremendous vision and wisdom to convene the meeting at a critical time when genuine sacrifices and reconciliation are need in the party: “This is the time to learn to forgive. My task is to redeem the APC and Akwa Ibom people – that cannot be accomplished if I don’t reconcile with everyone. I hold no grudge against anyone, I urge you all to same, by doing so, the party will move forward.”
The APC National Secretary applauded members for turning up enmasse for the event, saying it is a genuine show of love for the party.
Officers were sworn into 109 office. They include: Archbishop Samuel Akpan, President General; Chief Godwin Afangideh, Deputy President General; Prof. Etok Ekanem, Vice President General; Dr. Bassey Antai, Vice President General; Dr. Amadu Attai, Vice President General; Engr. Akanimo Edet, Secretary General; Hon. Emmanuel Inwang, Deputy Secretary General; Barr. Victor Iyanam, Director of Legal Services, among others.
31 Local Government Leaders and another set of 31 Local Government Coordinators were also sworn-in.
