April 18, (THEWILL) – Former Minister of Petroleum Resources and Chairman, All Progressive Congress (APC) Caucus in Akwa Ibom, Chief Don Etiebet, has thrown his weight behind the Governorship aspiration of immediate past National Caretaker Committee of APC, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, in the 2023 Governorship election.
Speaking during the Reception Ceremony in honour of Udoedehe, for his brilliant performance at the APC CareTaker Committee, Etiebet with other chieftains of the party expressed solidarity and support for his aspiration, saying that no other person in the party was more qualified than Udoedehe to take over from Governor Udom Emmanuel of the PDP in 2023.
He explained that the APC crisis in the state was caused by those who lied to the National Executive Council in Abuja, deceiving them to swear in Stephen Ntokekpo, whom he said never participated in party Congress held in the state.
According to him, the inauguration of the wrong person he described as “impostor” by the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) has thrown the party into confusion in the state.
“Because of the event of last week, where the national leadership of our party swore-in an impostor as chairman and our mind was in disarray.”
Etiebet disclosed that the National Leadership of APC was deceived to take the decision adding that they have approached the court to correct the mistake.
“The national leadership was deceived and misled, and we immediately took a step to inform them accordingly.”
He said apart from the court action, they have written a letter to the National Chairman of APC, senator Adamu Abdullahi, that they were deceived to inaugurate a wrong person for party Chairman in Akwa Ibom and the chairman has promised to reverse it.
Etiebet stated that the immediate past CareTaker Committee Chairman, who acted for Buni, had already sworn-in Agustine Ekanem, as the state Chairman of APC in Akwa Ibom state and the inauguration was ratified at a convention held at Eagle Square, Abuja.
The former Petroleum Minister assured party supporters to remain calm as efforts have been made to correct the mistake and reposition the party for victory in 2023.
The National Chairman of APC, Senator Adamu Abdullahi, said he was satisfied with the Udoedehe-led group in the state with their capacity to win election for the party.
Adamu, who was represented by the South South Chairman of APC, Victor Giadom, said the party is very proud of having senator Udoedehe. Adding that Udoedehe was very visible while working as the National Secretary of APC .
Adamu said there was a need to return Senator Udoedehe to Akwa Ibom to reposition the party and bring prosperity for all.
He said the crowd was a clear proof that APC remains healthy and strong, adding that nobody can say the party is not strong in Akwa Ibom.
“Keep uniting, we are very close to the election. No need to fight ourselves. It is time now to actualise the APC government in Akwa Ibom. You can not have this capacity and bring the party to shame in Akwa Ibom”, he said.
Giadom, who also represented the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, said he (Amaechi) had asked him to inform the people that Akwa Ibom state is very dear to the heart of APC and urged the people to unite for victory.
Responding, Senator Udoedehe said he has accepted the call by the people to contest the 2023 governorship election in the state.
He appreciated President Mohammedu Buhari and all APC stakeholders, who gave him the opportunity to serve as National Secretary of APC CareTaker Committee.
Udoedehe promised to rescue Akwa Ibom and rebuild infrastructure, Education, Health Care, Transportation and industrialisation in the state if given the opportunity as governor in 2023.
National chieftains, who attended the event were; the Minister for Transportation, Chief Rotimi Amaechi, the National Chairman of the party, Abdullahi Adamu.
THEWILL reports that Senator Udoedehe is the first APC aspirant to officially declare his intention to contest for Governor in Akwa Ibom State.
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