By Anietie Akpan
The ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative, a strategic political movement in Akwa Ibom State aimed at mobilizing support for President Bola Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno and Senator Godswill Akpabio ahead of the 2027 general elections, has inaugurated its Onna Local Government Area chapter executive.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the council headquarters in Abat, witnessed the emergence of Mr. Friday Ben as Coordinator, while Mrs. Ekaette Inyang was named Deputy Coordinator.
Other members of the executive include Mr. Usoro Paulinus, Mrs. Rose Wills, Akwa Obonganwan Patience Ukpa and Hon. Iniabasi Ekanem, a former Chairman of Onna Local Government Area, among others.
Also inaugurated was the Advisory Committee, chaired by a former member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nse Essien. Members of the committee include Hon. Mrs. Owoidighe Ekpoattai, Hon. Ini Ekpo Akpanekpo, Hon. Akpabio Ukpa, Mr. Emem Bob, Mr. Akparawa Ephraim Inyang and Mr. Ekerette Udoh, among others.
In their acceptance speeches, the Coordinator of the initiative in Onna, Mr. Ben, and the Chairman of the Advisory Committee, Rt. Hon. Essien, expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in them and pledged to work diligently to ensure the success of the initiative in the area.
In his address, the President-General of the initiative, Engr. Uwem Okoko, explained that the group was established as a coordinated platform to bring together key political stakeholders and the people in promoting stability, development and continuity in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria at large.
He commended the people of Onna for embracing the initiative, noting that their support underscores a collective resolve to work towards the re-election of President Tinubu Governor Umo Eno and support for the return of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio for a second term.
Setting the tone for the inauguration, the International Coordinator of the initiative, Sir Udo Kierian Akpan, said the initiative is committed to mobilizing support across communities to ensure the re-election of the trio in the 2027 general elections.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Emem Bob, reaffirmed the readiness of the people of Onna to deliver overwhelming support for President Tinubu and Governor Umo Eno in the forthcoming election.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by several stakeholders including former Local Government Chairman, Hon. Iniabasi Ekanem, Hon. Mrs. Owoidighe Ekpoattai and Mr. Tom Nkanang.
Others who spoke at the event included Youth Leader Mr. Tony Ekpo, APC Woman Leader Mrs. Inyene Bassey and Aides to the Governor led by Hon. Ekerette Ituen.
