IPAC: Newly elected executives pay consultative visit to Paul Ekpo
Members of Akwa Ibom State Executive Council of Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC) on Monday 22nd February 2021, paid a consultative visit to the immidiate past State chairman of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at his resident in Uyo.
Setting the tone for the meeting the State Chairman of IPAC Hon Ubong Emmanuel said they were there for a familiarization tour. According to him, after the election they mate and decided to go on a consultative visit to a list of political stakeholders in the state.
He emphasized that their visit to Obong Paul Ekpo who he described as the father and pillar of IPAC having served the council for two terms as chairman, is to invoke his blessings on them. He noted with delight that Ekpo’s contributions to the development of IPAC has singled him out as their pillar of support.
Hon Emmanuel who disclosed that they have penciled down a list of political stakeholders to visit, used the opportunity to plead with Obong Ekpo to use his good relationship with the state governor to facilitate a speedy payment of their monthly stipend to enable some political parties conduct state Congress.
He also used the opportunity to congratulate Obong Ekpo on his resent appointment as the chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Akwa Ibom State noting that his appointment is well deserved.
Hon Emmanuel thanked the Special Asistant to Akwa Ibom State Governor on Inter-party Affairs Hon (Dr) Lawrence Udoide on his continued steadfastness and endurance on IPAC matters. Called on the governor to continue to allow him work as an intermediary between them and government adding that he has gathered enough experience to work as a guide to them.
Speaking during the visit, the Special Assistant to Akwa Ibom State Governor on Inter-party Affairs Hon Dr Lawrence Udoide thanked Obong Ekpo for being a pillar of peace to them noting that no matter how turbulence the situation may seem in IPAC, once Obong Paul Ekpo steps in, there must be peace.
While thanking Obong Ekpo for his fatherly role in the council, he reiterated his commitment to ensure that Obong Ekpo’s legacy in IPAC remains promising never to do anything that will draw shame to the council.
He also thanked Governor Udom Emmanuel for being a party friendly governor who has provided a level playing ground for all registered political parties in Akwa Ibom State. He particularly thanked the governor for the opportunity given him to serve in his government.
In his response, Obong Paul Ekpo noted that everything that has happened in IPAC of recent, is only a usual internal fracas noting that if election was conducted at the recommended venue, supervised by authorized authority, keenly contested for, and won by the majority, there should be no need for petition.
He noted that election is a game of number that in a democracy, there is no way seven people could have won eleven people and in like manners, there is no way the voice of seven people can be louder than the voice of eleven people.
According to Ekpo, everytime there is election in IPAC, Paul Ekpo is always called out for abuse noting that in spite of the abuse, he has continued to remain focus in his life. On that note, he called on the new executive of IPAC to emulate him and do not allow anything to distract them in their bid to stir the ship of IPAC to a desired destination.
