Wednesday December 24, 2025
www.thenewsdesk.ng
Councillors in Akwa Ibom State, under the umbrella of the Unified Forum of Former Elected Councillors, have endorsed Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, for re-election in 2027.
The endorsement was made during the forum’s get-together and award night themed “Night of Legends: Honouring Service, Celebrating Legacy,” held at the Mandela Hall, Watbridge Hotels and Suites.
Speaking on behalf of the group, the State Leader of the forum, Pastor (Hon.) Joseph Mbong, said the endorsement was anchored on performance, noting that the leaders have, in their view, delivered measurable impact. According to him, “we endorse because we have seen stability replace uncertainty, unity replace strife and division, and inclusion replace exclusion.”
In his opening address, Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate, Senator Ita Enang, shared his journey in public service from his days as a councillor to his years in legal practice while commending Governor Eno and President Tinubu for their support for local government autonomy.
Also speaking, the Political Leader of Uyo Senatorial District, Senator Effiong Dickson Bob, charged members of the forum to remain effective grassroots ambassadors for the Governor. He also urged them to obtain a copy of his forthcoming book, expected to be released before February next year.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Hon. Nkeruwem James himself a former councillor set the tone for the evening, declaring that the forum would “move, second and pass” a motion of endorsement for their preferred leaders to return for another term, specifically endorsing President Tinubu for a second term, Governor Eno for a second term, and Senate President Akpabio for a third term.
The event also featured the unveiling of the forum’s Cooperative Society, as well as donations towards a trust fund.
Awards and recognitions were presented to several prominent personalities, including Senator Ita Enang, Senator Effiong Dickson Bob, Rt. Hon. Otobong Essien (ChairLady of Ikono Local Government Area), Rt. Hon. Festus Akpan (Chairman of Oruk Anam), DIG Udom Ekpoudom, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko (former Speaker and ex-member representing Ibesikpo Asutan), Rt. Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh (ex-member representing Esit Eket), as well as Ekong Sampson, among others.
Responding on behalf of award recipients, Rt. Hon. Otobong Essien expressed delight that the forum acknowledged what she described as her strides and performance in Ikono. Hon. Festus Akpan, a three-time councillor before his election as chairman, thanked the forum for the recognition. Other awardees who also spoke included Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko and Rt. Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh.
Dignitaries at the colourful ceremony included DIG Udom Ekpoudom, former Commissioner for Women Affairs Ini Adiahakpan, former Chairman of Mkpat Enin Anieokpon Ekpo, Kingsley Fri (ex-chairman, Oruk Anam), Unyime Etim (ex-chairman, Ikot Ekpene), Mercy Bassey (ex-transition chairman, Mkpat Enin), Ita Ekpo, Dr. Godwin Awah (former vice chairman, Ibiono Ibom), among others. Iberedem Isonguyo offered the closing prayer.
