The re-nomination of the 77-year-old Moses Ekpo as the Peoples Democratic Party deputy governorship candidate in Akwa Ibom State for the 2019 elections is seen “as a clear confirmation of loyalty” by one of his aides.
Mr. Ekpo has served as a Deputy Governor in the state since 2015.
Governor Udom Emmanuel, Wednesday, presented Mr. Ekpo as his running mate for the forthcoming election to the state Caucus of the party.
He said his choice was based on the stability and strength of character of Mr. Moses Ekpo, saying that his presence and unbeatable profile cannot be ignored in any event.
Mr. Ekikere Umoh, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor said “It is a big testament when you consider the fact that there is need for equity. Beyond that, we need to appreciate the fact that Moses Ekpo has not only been active player in the state politics but also has remained a stabilising force.
“When you understand his antecedent, he could be said to be one of the founding fathers of the state. He came from the defunct Cross River State as a commissioner. He could be seen as one of those who midwifed the new dawn of Akwa Ibom State. The new executive council that he came was more or less what formed the foundation of the new Akwa Ibom.”
Umoh who spoke in a telephone interview with Straightnews reporter noted “His preparatory role in the state from the foundation can be said to be more of a stabilising figure. Beyond politics, he is a down-to-earth person and a bridge across generations.
“He is not just a politician but someone who is well taught in statecraft. He is an impeccable bureaucrat. Fundamentally, he has been involved in government. As a bureaucrat, he has set some benchmarks and aided the business of government at various levels.
“He is an ardent community leader and peace advocate. To a large extent, he is a man of all seasons who does not come many in a generation. He has been a journalist and someone who has mortgaged his youth in advancement for the cause of journalism. He had been at various strategic levels of media practice. He is editor of repute, a credible manager of men and resources and outstanding diplomat of note.”
According to him, “Given these antecedents and the vision of Governor Udom Emmanuel to consolidate on the industrial agenda of the state, there is need to go along with a man of such pedigree. He is not tied to ethnic apron string. He may be an Annang man, but he detribalised.
“He is an unrepentant man committed to the development of Akwa Ibom project. He is a Nigerian of repute. H e loves his people. His world view is broad. He is concerned about development, ensuring equity and a torch bearer within the body politics of the state. The state is lucky to have this gentleman as a worthy lieutenant to a pragmatic governor.”
Ekpo had served as Proof Reader, Reporter and Editor in several Nigerian newspapers and broadcasting organizations, senior editorial and management positions in the Daily Express, Daily Times, West African Pilot, The Morning Post, Eastern Nigeria Broadcasting Service and Western Nigeria Broadcasting Service.
He has been the Nigerian country Correspondent for the Voice of America (VOA), Deutsche Welle (Voice of Germany) and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
He has a diploma in Journalism from The London Polytechnic, U.K, a degree in journalism from University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA; a certificate from the World Intellectual Property Organization Academy (WIPO), Geneva Switzerland.
He was Publisher and General Manager of Cross River State Newspaper Corporation, Publishers of the Nigerian Chronicle Group of Newspapers, founded the Pioneer Newspapers in Akwa Ibom State and served as Chief Information Officer in the Cross River State Government as well as the Chief Public Relations Officer to that government, Assistant Director of Information and Acting Federal Director of Information.
Other positions held were: Director of Nigerian Information Service with concurrent accreditation to Europe and the Americas, Chief Executive Officer, War Against Indiscipline, WAI, Commissioner for Information, Social Development, Youths & Sports, Cross River State and Akwa Ibom State, Director, Nigerian Copyright Council, Director-General, Nigerian Copyright Commission.
A President of the General Assembly of the World Intellectual Property Organization, he was a Federal Commissioner, National Population Commission, Abuja, a position he held until his election into office as the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
His professional standings are Fellow, Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria, APCON, Fellow, British Institute of Management; Fellow, World Intellectual Property Institute; Fellow, Institute of Managers and Administrators of Nigeria; Fellow, Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, FNIPR; a member, Nigeria Union of Journalists; Member, British Institute of Public Relations; Associate Member, Guild of American Newspaper Editors; National Award of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR).
Last week, Nsima Ekere, the governorship candidate for All Progressives Congress, APC in Akwa Ibom State picked Dr. Amadu Atai as his running mate.
