For 17 years, men of outstanding antecedents have emerged at a time to serve to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as State chairmen. They contributed in no small measure during their tenure to the development of the PDP in Akwa Ibom State.

This was reflected in the successes PDP recorded over the years. For the record, we present these men who contributed with strong conviction and loyalty to what PDP is today in Akwa Ibom State, a ruling party, for the benefits of the younger generation of our party men and women.

Chief Joeseph Ating was the pioneer State chairman of PDP who served from 1999 to 2001. Ating and 10 other party men and women formed the interim State Executive of PDP. He led the party to victory in the December 5, 1998 local government elections and the 1999 general elections.

Born on April 30, 1952, in Ebughu, one of the five communities in Mbo Local Government Area, Ating attended St. Leo’s Catholic Primary School, Okobo Ebughu and later, St. Mark’s School, Oron. He proceeded to the Queen of Apostles Seminary, Afaha Obong in Abak Local Government Area. For some reasons, Ating did not complete his secondary education at the seminary. He did that St. Vincent’s Secondary School, Oti -Oron in 1973.

Ating was with the then Telegraph Department, now Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST). At NIPOST, he was actively involved in union politics. Because of his commitment to workers’ welfare, he was elected the union leader.

At home, he served as chairman, Obio Nlap Akpakip Oro. In 1996, former military administrator of Akwa Ibom, Navy Cpt. Joseph Adeusi appointed Ating the chairman of Hotels and Tourism Board. He also served as a member of World Bank Project Committee in the State. He left behind a wife, Mary and children.

He was the one of the founding member of PDP in Urue Offong/Oruko Local Government Area and the second State chairman of PDP. Before his inauguration as the State chairman of the party in 2001, he served PDP as the pioneer chapter chairman.

Like his predecessor and kinsman, Emenyi led PDP to victory in 2003 general elections and 2004 local government polis. This grassroots politician was born on January 2,1942, and was at the Methodist Primary School, Ukuko, but completed that level of education at the Methodist School, EyoAbasi. Emenyi was at the Hope Waddel Training Institute, Calabar, Cross River State for his secondary education.

In 1963, Emeyi was at the then Bissan Institute for Rubber Research Development in Equitorial Guinea where he obtained a Diploma Certificate in rubber processing. He worked in the Eastern Nigeria Development Corporation. He was chairman from 2001 to 2006. He died few years ago.

This third State chairman of POP is from Ekim Oro in Udung Uko Local Government Area. He served the party as chairman from 2006 to 2008.

Like others before him, he led the party to success in the 2007 general elections. During his tenure, he insisted that chairmanship and councillorship aspirants on the platform of the party should possess at least a Higher National Diploma (HND) or a First Degree from a recognized university.

Toyo was born on April 13, 1953. He attended Methodist School, Ogui, Enugu State; Hope Waddell Training Institute and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, Kaduna State. He is an architect by training and a politician by practice.

He is the former chairman of Local Government Service Commission. Toyo, who is popularly known as Total Chair during his tenure was also the chairman of the Board of Akwa Ibom Property and Investment Company (APICO). He is no longer a member of POP

This third State chairman of POP is from Ekim Oro in Udung Uko Local Government Area. He served the party as chairman from 2006 to 2008.

Like others before him, he led the party to success in the 2007 general elections. During his tenure, he insisted that chairmanship and councillorship aspirants on the platform of the party should possess at least a Higher National Diploma (HND) or a First Degree from a recognized university.

Toyo was born on April 13, 1953. He attended Methodist School, Ogui, Enugu State; Hope Waddell Training Institute and Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, Kaduna State. He is an architect by training and a politician by practice.

He is the former chairman of Local Government Service Commission. Toyo, who is popularly known as Total Chair during his tenure was also the chairman of the Board of Akwa Ibom Property and Investment Company (APICO). He is no longer a member of POP

This fifth State chairman of POP has made history. He is the first chairman to be elected for a second term. Obong Paul Ekpo was first elected State chairman of POP in 2012 at Uyo Township Stadium. Few weeks ago, he broke the second term jinx with his re-election at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

In 2007, Obong Ekpo was appointed commissioner for Commerce and Industry by former Governor Godswill Akpabio, but later redeployed to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Ekpo is a former head of Administration and Properties at Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM). He acquired his first work experience at Deaveraux Investment Limited, during his service year in the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.

Born on November 18,1969, Ekpo attended the University of Uyo (UNIUYOj, where he studied Political Science. He was at the Apostolic Church Secondary School, Ikot Oku Nsit, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area after his primary education at the UNA Primary School.