New PDP Exco and the Renaissance Agenda

The need to expand the support base, membership thrust and reinvigorate the machinery of party politics in the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has been identified as a major caste of the newly sworn in state executive of the party.With practical membership drive and moves to reconcile dissident party men advocated while effective understanding of programmes and policies of the present administration has become a fiery furnace whose fire every party man must catch, the party can now be said to be on the speed lane of finishing with trophy banks.

Beyond the assurances of sustaining a lead role in the state’s political turf, it is expected that with strengthened party machineries, Akwa Ibom may be leading the battle of delivering the country to PDP as a discreet example in mandate delivery and good governance, which has been the signature tune of the Udom Emmanuel administration.

Little wonder when the people got so impressed at the emergence of these new set of men whose poise and pace will maximally yield the needed benefits of political stability. The beautiful marriage of competence, capacity and zest, which is the hallmark of the new state executive council of the party is all that was needed for a vibrant platform, to satisfy the yearnings of the masses.

Putting it in few words, PDP having found its bearing is set to navigate out of the murky waters of political obscurity, which doomsday bookmakers had predicted it would not survive. With this upward-flight, the party’s fortune has changed to an idea whose time has come, a family whose arms and heart is wide enough to create warmth in the umbrella for members.

These are the assailable sentiments deduced from the optimism that greeted the inaugural meeting of the state executive council, which also had the newly elected Local Government Chapter Chairmen of the party in attendance.

Turning up all-smiles the State Chairman, Obong Paul Ekpo harped on his readiness to uphold democratic tenets of the party in keeping with expectations of members of the PDP family. He expressed an inner conviction of his determination to return leadership to the people, while describing himself as the biggest beneficiary of the people’s magnanimity; being the first since state creation to be returned for a second term as state party Chairman.

To the new executives, Obong Ekpo reminded them of the need to see their new positions as a call to duty rather than a call to treat, as the people whose support they rode through to emerge would be watching. He promised to run an all-inclusive administration and see to the existence of harmonious working relationship among various units of the party, in ensuring no party man is left behind.
Accolades for Governor Udom Emmanuel was without pretence as the chairman promised to mobilize members of the party to massively support the governor whom he described as leader of the party and called on the chapter chairmen to work and ensure government programmes and policies are given the required support in their domain, noting that government was doing all it could to carry every strata of the society along.

The elated Chairman of the Party assured party faithful that he will continue to earn their trust and at the end of his tenure, when stock of his achievements are taken he would be satisfied with his contributions to the party, while advising those trusted with leadership roles in the party, to eschew oppressive and divisive tendencies.

Lauding the conduct of congresses that led to their emergence, the State Publicity Secretary of the Party, Barr. Ini Ememobong commended his predecessors for the sacrifices they made in keeping the party flag afloat but promised to improve on their stride by making the party a religious part of the state’s political space, where every household will be proud to identify with the anticipated progress.

Conveying his commitment to dwell on developmental publicity, the party spokesman warned that in carrying out his assignment “he will not wrestle with pigs” calling on mudslingers to desist from vices of blackmail and falsehood, reminding stakeholders to preserve the sanity of the Akwa Ibom society, bearing in mind the consequences of making an atomistic society out of their heritage.

He expressed readiness to work with people from all shades of opinion and to ensure toxicity in political engagements is done away with, while issues based and people oriented publicity will be promoted in setting an agenda for effective governance.

Having served in various positions including President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Special Assistant to Governor Akpabio on Students matters and recently Special Assistant to Governor Emmanuel on Political matters, he called to mind the enormity of his current assignment and promised to allow everyone; regardless of any perceived differences an opportunity to contribute to the growth of the party.

Ini Ememobong used the opportunity to call on those who left the party for whatever reasons to bury their hatchet and return to the family, as their interests were better served in PDP, especially now they have realized the party as the only true democratic organization the country can boast of.

Others who promised to work closely with members of the State executive and support the Governor Udom Emmanuel administration included the State Women Leader Mrs Meme Akpabio, Legal Adviser, Barr Godwill Umoh, Youth Leader, Enobong Harry while the chapter chairman for ONNA Barr. Ubong Adiakpan spoke on behalf of the Chapter chairmen, declaring their support for the Paul Ekpo led State Executive.

Highpoint of the inaugural meeting was the re-dedication of the party to God in sessions of prayers and worship led by Rev. Angela Ashong, who charged the new executives on the need to display high sense of responsibility in the discharge of their duties, while calling them to be humble, loyal and obedient to higher authorities.

With the doggedness and optimism displayed at the sound of the gauntlet by the new handlers of the PDP in the state as evidenced in their ability to hit the ground running, it is safe to say that “better days are here for the PDP.