Political leaders in Ukanafun Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom have been challenged to adopt development-oriented model of politics as the new normal, but shun divisive and parochial politicking.
Mr. Aniekpeno Mkpanang, the Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Culture and Tourism, made the call when he played host to the Peoples Democratic Party chairmanship candidate and some political leaders of the area at his palatial Tom & Grace Country home, Ikot Akpa Nkuk, headquarters of Ukanafun.
Mkpanang noted that such efforts could restore the great potentials of the area allegedly stalled by cult wat that rocked the area for years.
He used the forum to congratulate Ukanafun people for the political capital recorded by the area, most especially the elevation of Hon. Udo Ekpenyong to the State PDP Chairman, and Pastor Godwin Inyieng, as the party’s standard bearer for the forthcoming local government election.
The initiator of the Guinness Book of Record-breaking 9999 State Government Carol Singers, hailed the choice of Inyieng as the best decision by Ukanafun PDP stakeholders, based on his rich antecedents, experience, exposure, and character.
The Permanent Secretary described the veteran journalist-turned politician as a man of reputable standing, thoroughbred professional, resourceful and level-headed gentleman who has gotten the wherewithal to engender rural development in the area.
The pioneer presenter and host of the famous Something to Remember programme on AKBC (Radio Service), pledged to support the incoming local government chairman, in an effort to rebrand the area to a 21st-century community.
Mkpanang, while applauding Governor Udom Emmanuel for his choice of Udo Ekpenyong as the State Party Chairman, called on Ukanafun politicians to emulate Ekpenyong’s politics of issues, strategic planning and development, rather than the bandwagon-style of politicking.
According to him, “Ukanafun people have a responsibility to bolster the office of the state Chairman of the party, rally home support as a show of solidarity for optimal performance and goodwill.”
Pleading with politicians and well-placed citizens to be more humanly, humane and humanitarian, he observed, “The ordinariness in you takes nothing away from you,” saying such disposition engenders development, and progress in the society.
Responding, Inyieng, the standard bearer, said he was honoured by the show of solidarity and confidence reposed on his capacity to serve the local government area in the next political dispensation.
He assured the ukanafun people of good stewardship, noting that he would stop at nothing than to implement his lofty agenda anchored on peace, education, and sustainable development.
In the delegation were the Chapter Chairman of the party, Elder Godwin Ekpe; SSA to the Governor on Projects, Ndiana-Abasi Nana Udom; Bishop (Dr.) Moswil Umoh; Special Assistant to the Governor on Projects, Obong Prince Umoekpo; SA to the Governor on Projects, Hon. Amos Udom; SA Adede Umouko Aniebiet; former SA Goddy Sandy; and Councillorship candidate – Dopse Sandy.
