The All Progressives Party (APC) Deputy governorship candidate for Akwa Ibom State in the 2019 general elections has pledged “I would not disappoint my principal and the people of the state.”
Mr. Nsima Ekere, the APC governorship flag bearer named Dr. Amadu Atai, a one-time state chairman of the party on Thursday as his running mate.
Speaking during Team Nigeria programme broadcast by a privately owned radio station- Planet 101.1 FM, Uyo on Friday, Atai said “I will be loyal to all,” seeing his appointment to the exalted position as a reward for hardwork and dedication to duty.
Atai who least expected the exalted office as it was rumoured that Ekere purportedly collected names of three persons from Uyo Senatorial District for appointment thanked God and Ekere for the gesture.
“I am delighted. It was unexpected. This is a well-chosen idea and I thank God for making this to happen to me,” Atai submitted.
Mr. Ita Enang, Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate) confirmed that Atai was picked to accommodate the interest of the aborigines (members in the Action Congress of Nation of 2014 list) instead of giving to a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, returnee.
Enang, speaking on Planet 101.1 FM, Uyo argued that it would not proper for Ibibio-Ibibio pair (governor- Ibibio and Deputy governor-Ibibio) rather it was proper to have Ibibio-Annang ticket for equity, appealing to party’s members in Uyo Senatorial District who are Ibibios to remain calm as their interest would be accommodated.
In Twitter handle on Thursday, Ekere described Dr. Ahmadu Atai as the best match for his governorship aspiration to bring change to Akwa Ibom state.
He said that Dr. Atai’s passion for the progress and transformation of the state also spoke volume of the reason why he decided to settle for him among others jostling to be picked.
His words, “I am delighted to announce that I have chosen a hardworking and dedicated party and family man, Dr. Amadu Atai as my runningmate for the 2019 governorship elections in Akwa Ibom state. As a founding state chairman of APC, Dr. Atai worked tirelessly to build a strong and formidable party in Akwa Ibom State.
“Dr. Atai is an extraordinary intellectual with Ph.D in Political Science. I am honoured to have known and worked with this detribalized son of Akwa Ibom Stae, who has worked very hard to build bridges of hope and opportunities for our people. He will be a good Deputy Governor. His passion for the progress and transformation of Akwa Ibom State makes him the right choice,” Obong Nsima stated.
He called on party men to join hands with them as the party forged ahead to capture Akwa Ibom state from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party with incumbent Governor Udom Emmanuel staging up for the battle.
Ekere who emerged the APC governorship standard ticket bearer in the just-concluded primaries of the party in the state for 2019 general elections hails from Eket senatorial district while Dr. Ahmadu Atai comes from Ikot Ekpene senatorial district of the state.
Before now, it was rumoured that Ekperikpe Ekpo, a one-time member in the House of Representatives from Ika who was a challenger to Senator Godswill Akpabio in the Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial race was tipped for the position.
