As All Progressives Congress continues its registration and revalidation exercise nationwide, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Minister of Niger Delta Affairs has revalidated his membership in the party.
Akpabio who had served as a two-term Governor under Peoples Democratic Party in Akwa Ibom defected to APC in August 2018.
The Senator, together with wife, Unoma, was at the Independence High School, Ukana, in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State for the revalidation.
The exercise was witnessed by the acting state caretaker committee Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Ita Udosen, among other stakeholders of the party.
After revalidating his membership, Akpabio called on old members and new ones in the state to troop out en-masse to register as members of the party so that they would have a say in what happens in the party in future.
“Today, I revalidate my membership with the APC, biggest party in Africa and people are asking me for the reasons and I gladly tell them that, I will revalidate because of the NDDC headquarters that will be commissioned after 25 years and the East West road that is cutting across Akwa Ibom State.
”I will revalidate and reaffirm my membership because of the zeal and patriotic desire of President Muhammadu Buhari, in developing Nigeria from where he met it,” the Minister noted.
He stated “APC is the only party that provides the platform for good governance. It remains the only vehicle that would deliver dividends of democracy to Nigerians. New members are welcome with open arms. Whether old or new, we all have equal rights and privileges as party members.”
Akpabio Inaugurates ADF
Meanwhile, Senator Akpabio, over the weekend, inaugurated the Exco of AKWA IBOM DEMOCRATIC FORUM (ADF), a political support group.
The inauguration which was performed at the premises of Esteemed Schools by Senator Akpabio and witnessed by other stakeholders has Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo as the Director-General and Arc. Ubokutom Nyah as co-Director-General.
Akpabio who was unanimously appointed as the Grand Leader to the elation of the group, said he was excited with the motto of the organization which is “Dependable Leadership.”
The Minister asked rhetorically, “What are you looking for?” to which he gave the motto of the organization, “Dependable Leadership” as the answer.
Akpabio continued: “Dependable Leadership” means dividends of democracy to the people. “Dependable Leadership” means water for the people, “Dependable Leadership” means education for our children.
“Dependable Leadership” means an end to COVID-19 or at least, the control of COVID-19. It means the provision of medical care… “Dependable Leadership” means quality infrastructure…”, citing what happened in Akwa Ibom from 2007-2015.
The former governor of Akwa Ibom State described as President Muhammadu Buhari as a dependable leader, citing his commitment to accelerated development in the Niger Delta, like the increased work pace on East/West Road, as evidence.
Akpabio said that work on the construction of the bridge on the Ikot Abasi/Oruk Anam axis was going on at feverish speed, while promising that the bridge would be ready by March, 2021, after which the Oron/Calabar bridge would be the next focus, for the East-West Road to be fully completed.
The Senator charged the leadership of Akwa Ibom Democratic Forum (ADF) to demonstrate transparency in leadership, stating that it is the only known attribute that can enhance the survival of the group.
Earlier, the Director-General of the group, Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, had said the Forum has resolved to come together in solidarity to Akpabio’s uncommon and selfless service to humanity with little regard to political affiliation.
He said the mission of the group is to support, promote and encourage transparent and dedicated leaders like Akpabio as well as correct leaders who derail with a view to ensuring the delivery of the dividends of democracy to the citizenry.
