…Send Strong Message to Political Agitators Over Senate Zoning, Commend Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi
The Oro chieftains under the Arise With Renewed Hope Initiative, Oron Chapter, have endorsed the second-term bids of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Governor Umo Bassey Eno PhD; Senator Ekong Sampson PhD; Hon. Martin Esin; and Rt. Hon. Chief Kenim Onofiok.
This is in a strong show of solidarity and confidence in the current leadership at the federal, state, and constituency levels.
The Chapter Coordinator, Mr. Ulap Uwe Akan (The Man Done Come), disclosed this on Friday while addressing various stakeholder groups, youth organisations and women’s groups across Oro Nation.
According to Akan, the decision to endorse the five leaders followed what he described as a “careful, objective and thorough assessment of their performances at the federal, state and constituency levels.”
Speaking on the decision, the Coordinator said the group assessed the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and concluded that his Renewed Hope Agenda, though bold and reform-driven, is laying a foundation for Nigeria’s economic recovery and long-term prosperity.
He therefore stressed the importance of continuity to enable the President to consolidate his administration’s policies and programmes beyond 2027.
At the state level, Akan commended Governor Pastor Umo Bassey Eno PhD, for what he described as the implementation of the ARISE Agenda, citing rural development, human capital development, prompt payment of salaries and gratuities, peace-building, entrepreneurial support and, particularly, the ongoing construction of the Maritime Hub as areas of significance to Oro Nation.
“The Governor has shown that leadership can be both compassionate and pragmatic. Oron has felt the impact of his government, and we believe continuity will bring more dividends to our people,” Akan stated.
The Oro chieftains also commended the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi PhD, for her support, cooperation and commitment to the administration of Governor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD. They acknowledged the importance of her partnership with the Governor in advancing the state government’s development agenda, sustaining peace and promoting unity across Akwa Ibom State.
The group also passed a vote of confidence in the Senator representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District, Senator Ekong Sampson, PhD, describing his representation at the National Assembly as “intelligent, vocal and impactful,” with visible engagements across the senatorial district.
The group further maintained that Oron Federal Constituency has already completed its allotted eight years at the Senate and called on those attempting to create confusion around the established zoning arrangement in the district to desist.
Akan stressed that the Senate requires experienced, competent and effective representation rather than being treated as a platform for learning the basics of legislative processes. He reaffirmed the group’s position that the established zoning arrangement should be respected in the interest of equity, fairness and political stability across Akwa Ibom South.
Similarly, the Chapter commended Hon. Martin Esin, Member representing Oron/Mbo/Okobo/Udung Uko/Urue Offong Oruko Federal Constituency, and Rt. Hon. Chief Kenim Onofiok, Member representing Oron State Constituency, for their accessibility, constituency projects, empowerment programmes and representation. The group noted that both lawmakers had demonstrated commitment to impacting lives across their respective constituencies while aligning their legislative responsibilities with the development vision of the state government.
Akan stressed that the endorsement goes beyond a mere pronouncement, disclosing that the Oron Chapter of the Arise With Renewed Hope Initiative had activated its grassroots structures for door-to-door and ward-to-ward mobilisation in support of the endorsed candidates.
“This is not just an endorsement on paper. It is a commitment to mobilise, sensitise and deliver. We are ready to work for the re-election of these leaders,” he said.
He called on indigenes of Oro Nation, both at home and in the diaspora, to rally behind the initiative, noting that the group believes continuity in governance at the federal, state and constituency levels would create opportunities for sustained development.
The Chapter reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful political engagement, grassroots mobilisation and respect for established zoning arrangements, which it said promote equity, fairness and political stability across Oro Nation and Akwa Ibom South.
The meeting was attended by the former Chairman of Oron Local Government, Rt. Hon. Victor Ini Okon; Personal Assistant to the Governor, Hon. Godwin Onwiebiak; Councillor representing Oron Ward 10, Hon. Daniel Massodi; Hon. Bassey Umo; Supervisor for Works, Oron Local Government, Hon. Victor Andy; ward coordinators of the Arise With Renewed Hope Initiative; APC ward chairmen; stakeholders; youth groups; and other notable personalities from across Oro Nation.
