The Alumni Association of the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, has inaugurated a five-man Electoral Committee to oversee elections into various positions within the union.
The committee, which was sworn in on Tuesday in Uyo, has Engr. Nsikak Affia, FNSE, as Chairman; Dr. Godwin Benson, Group News Editor of The Pioneer Group of Newspapers, as Member; Comrade Nkamado Edet, Member; Comrade Cecilia Chinyere, Member; and Comrade Edidiong Akpan, Secretary.
Speaking during the inauguration, the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the Alumni Association, Dr. Benson, tasked the electoral body with developing and coordinating the electoral and referenda processes; producing and selling nomination forms; screening aspirants for eligibility; publishing cleared candidates’ names; and monitoring members’ conduct before and during the elections.
Other responsibilities include conducting elections into various offices, announcing results, and arranging for the swearing-in of elected candidates in line with the Association’s Code of Conduct. Dr. Benson urged the committee to ensure a free, fair, and credible election that would usher in a democratically elected executive.
He commended the Polytechnic’s management under the leadership of the Rector, Dr. Moses Umobong, for reforms that have elevated the institution’s status as one of the most sought-after citadels of learning in Nigeria. He also expressed gratitude to the Board of Incorporated Trustees (BOIT), chapter presidents, and members for their support.
Chairman of the BOIT, Apostle Nse Bassey, described the inauguration as a milestone in the history of the Alumni Association, praising the Benson-led Caretaker Committee for its foresight and dedication over the past 10 months.
In his acceptance remarks, Engr. Affia assured that the committee would uphold transparency and credibility throughout the process.
Goodwill messages were delivered by chapter leaders, including Comrade Kenneth Ekong (Ikot Ekpene), Comrade Emmanuel James representing Comrade Aniekan Ankoh (Uyo), and Comrade Iboro Fred representing Comrade Peter Osaghae (Port Harcourt).
The event was well attended by alumni members and dignitaries, including Comrade Eno Effanga, Treasurer of the Caretaker Committee, and former Uyo Chapter President, Comrade Ifiok Ekanem.
