By Treasure Esop
The ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative, a political movement mobilizing grassroots support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno, has inaugurated its Eket Local Government Area chapter amid widespread endorsement from political stakeholders and residents.
The inauguration ceremony, which attracted political leaders, youth groups and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), also featured strong assurances of electoral support for all APC’s candidates in future elections.
Speaking at the event, the President General of the movement, Engr Uwem Okoko, said President Tinubu had demonstrated goodwill towards Akwa Ibom State, citing the President’s support and engagement with the state.
Okoko said the people of Eket had asked him to convey their collective endorsement of both President Tinubu and Governor Eno.
According to him, the President’s love for the state was further reflected in the emergence of an Akwa Ibom son as Senate President, a development he described as significant for the state.
In his welcome address, the Coordinator of the Eket Chapter of the initiative, and local government chairman, Akaniyene Tommey, assured the leadership of the movement that the people of the area were ready to increase their electoral support for the APC.
“What we did in 2023, we are ready to double the numbers. We are here to assure the Governor, the President and the Senate President that we are right behind them,” he said.
Also speaking, the International Coordinator of the movement, Sir Udo Keirian Akpan, commended the Chairman of Eket Local Government Area for constructing what he described as a befitting hall for the community.
The international Coordinator noted that the objective of the Arise With Renewed Hope Initiative was to mobilise grassroots support to ensure victory for President Tinubu, Governor Eno, the Senate President and other APC candidates in the next elections.
In his remark, the Director of Government Business, Amb Assam Assam SAN urged the people of Eket to canvas massively for the Governor, noting that the only way to show appreciation is by voting massively.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy, Hon Frank Archibong said issued a resounding vote of confidence in Governor Umo Eno’s reelection, asserting that the Governor is going to win convincingly in Eket.
Speaking on behalf of the aides in Eket LGA, The senior special assistant on Research and Documentation, Dr Essien Ndueso noted that all the political aides from Eket remain united in their support for Governor Umo Eno, assuring that they would continue to mobilize voters and canvass massive support for the President, Governor and other APC candidates.
On behalf of the youths, Tommy Enodien pledged the commitment of youths in Eket to the APC and its candidates. He said Eket youths were known for delivering bloc votes during elections, adding that they would once again rally behind the Governor.
“Governor Umo Eno is our own and we have no choice but to stand with him. He has done very well,” he said.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by several political leaders such as APC Chapter Chairman, Inyang Ebuk; former member of the State House of Assembly, David Lawrence; current House Member, Nsidibe Akata and Obonganwan Mandu Abia, wife of the Paramount Ruler, Eket Senatorial District Chairman, APC, Victor Edon and former local government chairman, Obong Aniekan Akpan.
They all expressed confidence that both President Tinubu and Governor Eno would secure re-election, pledging that the votes recorded in the last election would be surpassed in the next polls.
The 30 man chapter executive has Akaniyene Tommey as Chairman, Gladys Ekaete as Deputy Coordinator, Nsidibe Akata as Secretary, other members include; Richard Bassey Nsaha, Inim Bassey Udo, Abigan E. Edohoeket, Charles Edoho, Inyang Ebuk, Etukudo A. Etukudo, Uso Hanson, Kufre Essienowo, Emem Francis, Emmanuel A. Amos, Glory Ayang, Comfort Ebong, Christian Ukpaukere, Grace Oduok, Victor Udoyo, Inobong Basil Jacob, A. S. Idim, John Odungide, Comfort Moses Eno, David Etuk, Stephen Benson, Enem Idong Usoh, Akpan Ekpo, Isaac Bassey Akpan, Christian Tom, Edemekong Noah, Grace Imoh Udoh.
The Advisory Council has Obong Paul Bassey, Ette Ben Akpan, Christopher Hanson Isong, Aniekan Willie Akpan, Gabriel Fan, Victor Edon, Abakasange James Inam, Glory William, Tony Tommey Ikott, Emmanuel Ekott, Kingsley Albert Etukudo, David Lawrence, Sammy Udoyo, Vincent Essien, Mmadu Abia, Ekong Johnson, Ette Etukudo, Comfort Enodien, Eka Afia, Eka Assam Usoro, Grace Richard Uso, Usoro I. Usoro, Abasiandikan Nkono, Inibong Idem, Mariah Abia, Joseph Ubokudom, Comfort Okon Emmanuel, Nsikan John, Inyang Victor Akpawan, Emmanuel Sammy, Enem Wills, Kingsley Etop, Godwin Ukwat, and Nse Atang, Edidiong John
Others are Samuel Udonsak, Godwin David, Emmanuel Assam, Victor Bassey Henry, Inam Wilson, Harry Etteobong, Etukudo Ekefre Ndueso, Inyang Udo, Emmanuel Okon Mbong, Jane Thomas Essien, C. W. Akpan, Abakasange James Inam, Monday Akanimo Ben.
