Date Published: 02/10/11

Ibibio Royal Fathers bless Akpabio
*Commend choice of running mate

Godwill Akpabio

The Head of Akwa Isop Imaisong, Obong Essien Udo Ekidem gave the royal blessing when the governor  paid a consultation visit to the palace of the Ntisong Ibibio  in Uyo.

 Obong Ekidem who described Governor Akpabio’s consultation with the council as a demonstration of regard and a mark of honour to the royal fathers said “the governor has performed creditably”.

According to Obong Ekidem “God chooses who He wants as a leader and as royal fathers we stand by the Asan Ibibio declaration for Governor Akpabio’s second term and our prayer is for him to succeed” describing Obong Nsima Ekere his running mate as a dedicated and humble citizen of the state who has the passion in joining hands to develop the state.

The State Governor Chief Godswill Akpabio had earlier intimated the Ntisong Ibibio that the issue as to who flies the People Democratic Party PDP flag in the April 2011 governorship race has been settled with the publication of his Name by Independent Electoral Commission, INEC.

“The publication of my name in the INEC list has put an end to all misleading stories regarding who is the PDP governorship candidate in the state” he said.

The governor said he was at the Ntisong’s palace to solicit their support; “it is expedient for me to recognize the Ntisong Ibibio in council as the foundation to let you know that the journey which we started in 2007 is about to enter the final lap”.

 He enjoined the members of the Akwa Isong Imaisong Ibibio  to cast their minds back to Akwa Ibom State in 2007 when he assumed office as governor to see reasons why they should support him, noting that “if noting significant has happened in the last three and half years, then there was no need to seek their support”.

The Governor officially presented Obong Nsima Ekere a member of the Akwa Isop Imaisong Ibibio as his running mate in the April Governorship election.

Obong Ekere thanked Chief Akpabio for nominating him as his next deputy and pledged to work with him in the development of the state.