A Frontline group in Ikot Ekpene, Amayam-Urban Coalition for Development, has congratulated the immediate past Commissioner for Labour and Manpower Planning, Elder Aniefiok Nkom, on his emergence as the chairmanship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for Ikot Ekpene in the October 2024 local government polls.
The group was borne out of a coalition of concerned party faithful to raise a strong advocacy for consistency with existing power sharing structure in Ikot Ekpene, which ensures the two clans Amayam and Urban are justly and fairly represented in government.
Speaking at a meeting in Ikot Udoe yesterday, August 6, Prince Samuel Ukut, the champion of the coalition, thanked God for answering the prayers of Amayam people. He expressed gratitude to the governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, for insisting that zoning must be allowed in Ikot Ekpene.
While congratulating the chairmanship candidate and party flagbearer, Elder Aniefiok Nkom, Prince Ukut, who spearheaded the fight to ensure emergence of Amayam chairmanship ticket for the party by right of rotation, pointed out that finally the truth has won over lies and fabrications.
He thanked his numerous supporters, from Urban and Amayam for their tenacity, focus and unity, expressing deep appreciation for their solidarity to pursue a common goal for the common good of Ikot Ekpene people.
“The Amayam cause that we fought for has been a success, irrespective of who has emerged. So, despite the outcome we shouldn’t lose steam at this time because it wasn’t a personal thing but a common fight for our right. Hence, we have to muster support for the beneficiary of our struggle and be prayerful that our desires and aspirations will be achieved.
He appealed to his supporters to remain steadfast to the party and work for the success of the flagbearer, who needs every support throughout campaigns and during the general elections.
“I’m not the kind of person that will say since it’s not me let’s lose it. No, we don’t say that. If it’s not me, it can be any other person. We must remain committed to our party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and work towards her success at the forthcoming local government elections.”
Various speakers at the meeting thanked God for making their agenda manifest and lauded Prince Samuel Ukut for convening the meeting to appreciate his supporters and canvass support for the PDP and it’s flagbearer.
The party chairman of ward 10, Mr. Mfon Jonah Akpan, commended the group for their determination and focus towards ensuring that chairmanship is zoned to Amayam.
He sued for support for the party and all its candidates at the forthcoming elections.
In his remarks, Comrade Namso Ekanem thanked the champion for leading a successful campaign for the rights of Amayam people and not backing down for schemes and intrigues. He said the unity and determination shown in the cause should be sustained to enhance the Ikot Ekpene project.
Furthermore, he supported to call for integration and unity towards success of PDP at the elections, saying “we need to align, we must be steadfast and support the candidate of the party”.
Also speaking, Pastor Otuekong Ukut thanked God for helping Amayam people actualize their right to power. He also commended the group for contending for their right.
“Every right is at all times contended for, including the ones written in the Constitution. So, I thank you all for standing together as one body to contend for and getting what was rightly yours”.
He supported the idea of integration, advising that going forward issues facing the area should be handled as a coalition rather than by different camps.
Speaking for the women, the President of National Council for Women, Ikot Ekpene chapter, Mrs. Victoria Umoren, thanked Prince Ukut for championing a successful cause and leading an advocacy for the benefit of Amayam people and Ikot Ekpene in general.
She commended him for calling his supporters to appreciate them even when nomination did not favour him, noting that Ikot Ekpene women are totally in sync with his passionate appeal for support to the party flagbearer, Elder Nkom.
“You indeed have a heart of gold. It takes a person with a heart of gold to call such a meeting to show appreciation and still go ahead to show direction and canvass for support for the party’s candidate”, she stated.
On his part, the President of Amayam Students Union, Comrade Franklin Umoh, thanked Prince Ukut for initiating the agitation for return of power to Amayam even at a period many didn’t see it as realisable.
He therefore pledged the readiness of Amayam students to toe the line set out by the champion.
