The Senator representing Uyo Senatorial District and gubernatorial candidate of the YPP in the 2023 general elections, Senator Obong Bassey Albert Akpan – Sen. OBA has declared that he has never and will never betray Akwa Ibom State.
The lawmaker stated this on Saturday 10th September, 2022 as he was endorsed by the Uyo Senatorial District Leaders Forum (USDLF) for the office of the Governor between come 2023.
Sen. OBA who recalled his past sacrifices to the state and the nation called on elders to speak out when it matters most, especially in the face of injustice.
“Any leadership that refused to recognise justice, any leadership that does not recognize fairness is not God – ordained”, he said.
Recalling his past contributions to the state, he said: “When it was time to stand for Ibibio, I stood for Ibibio, when it was time to stand for Akwa Ibom, I stood for Akwa Ibom. There was a time I was the only Senator who remained…I have never betrayed Akwa Ibom and will never. I stand for equity , I stand for justice”.
On 2023 election, OBA maintained that he remains the most qualified, prepared and experienced in the plum job since he served diligently in different capacities.
“I am the only politician in this state today that since the inception of democracy, has trained more than 481 Akwa
Ibom students. I love Akwa Ibom, and will serve to the best of my ability.
Sen. OBA charged leaders not to lose their voices and called on Akwa Ibom people to elect leaders who will be accountable to them, and not only loyal to a cabal.
“I have seen elders losing their voices because of their personal interest. It is the turn of Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, that is the truth that must be told. It is not my personal ambition, but for justice and fairness”, he said.
While speaking, Deputy Governorship candidate of the YPP, AIG Asuquo Amba (rtd), who spoke on behalf of Eket Senatorial District people, said the administration of OBA – AMBA will bring peace to Akwa Ibom.
“As commissioner of Police, I brought peace to different states in the country , and even in Liberia, till when I was promoted to the rank of an AIG. The peace we are talking about is the real peace, and not the so – called peace movement they are deceiving you with”.
“There is no peace in the face of injustice, there is no peace if you bite the fingers that feed you. OBA chose peace and justice, that is why he stepped down for the one that is serving now”, Amba declared.
Chairman of Akwa Ubok Abasi Campaign Organization, Sir Emem Akpabio, who spoke on behalf of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District stated that the Ibibios that he knows are those of justice, peace and equity.
“You stood for justice, equity, and fairness, that is why you voted my brother to serve as Governor for two terms”, Sir Akpabio observed.
He said that OBA’s certificates can even be recognized by a year old child, and assured that the Annang people are solidly behind Sen. OBA.
“As the former international president of Ati Annang, as the chairman, Board of trustees of Ati Annang, as a stakeholder in Annang Nation, I can boldly say that Annang people are solidly behind you”, Sir Akpabio assured OBA.
Responding, Elder Kingsley Peters, Secretary, Uyo Senatorial District Leaders Forum, said the people of Uyo want OBA to run for the office of governor.
“We have resolved that as Uyo Senatorial District Leaders, that the next Governor should come from Itu/Ibiono Federal Constituency. We have assessed all the aspirants, and also agreed that the most qualified is OBA and we call on all Uyo people to follow and support him under any platform”, Elder Peters declared.
Mkpisong Obong Ukpong Dan Umoh, Leader of USDLF who read the resolution of the entire Uyo elders said the endorsement of Sen. OBA was because of his experience since his days as commissioner, chairman of Inter Ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee, and now Senator which has offered him the platform to serve beyond expectations.
