MBO (CONVERSEER) – The Special Adviser, Bureau of Cooperative and Rural Development, Rt. Hon. Alice Ekpenyong, has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mrs Ekpenyong, and a former Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, were officially received into the APC on Wednesday, June 18, in Uda Community, Mbo Local Government Area.
In her speech, Mrs Ekpenyong, who hails from Uda Ward II, noted that her defection was in line with Governor Umo Eno’s vision to connect the state to the federal government and called on the people of the area to continue in their support for the governor’s inclusive governance.
“I am calling on you to continue supporting our Governor because he started on a good note to serve Akwa Ibom people, irrespective of political parties. We must all stand by him at all times to sustain this purpose.
“I want to use this opportunity to tell you that, just like our Governor has moved to the APC, I have officially decamped with him too, to see that all he promised Oro people and Akwa Ibom at large will come to reality.”
Mrs Ekpenyong also added that she will continue to use her office to empower the masses while encouraging members of cooperative societies to get their businesses registered in order to be empowered through grants by the state government.
On his part, the former Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, commended the Governor for what he has done so far, adding that the Governor has shown that he means well for the people of Oro nation.
“So far, the Governor has done well for us, and he has promised to do more. I also want to thank him for appointing one of us to handle such a vibrant office in his administration.”
Dr Ekuwem, who hails from Uda Ward I, while announcing his formal defection to the APC, urged the people of the area to support the Governor’s plan to run a smooth and unity government for the benefit of Akwa Ibom people.
In his response, the APC Ward Chairman, Hon. David Sunday Edet, thanked the people of his ward for coming out en masse to honor and support the leaders on their official defection to the APC, assuring that the Party will rally around them always.
“I am glad that today has finally become a reality in our ward. As you join us in APC, I promise to work and support you and the Governor wholeheartedly to achieve positive results.”
Highlight of the event was the official defection of Mrs Ekpenyong, Dr Ekuwem, Councillors, Supervisors, Personal Assistants to the Governor and other critical stakeholders across the four Wards in Uda Community, to the APC and the presentation of gift items to the people of the area.
