Update

Mkpat Enin Stakeholders Laud Elders Forum on Umo Eno Inauguration Initiative

…as Rev. Obot Ekanem chairs Inauguration Coordinating Committee, Ini Akpan ‘Olokpo’ is Secretary

By Samuel Udoma

More stakeholders of Mkpat Enin Local Government Area have continued to laud Mkpat Enin Elders Forum for constituting strategic committees to coordinate inauguration ceremonies of Pastor Umo Eno as Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Ekong Sampson as Senator for Akwa Ibom South and Hon. Uwem Imo-ita as House of Assembly Member for Mkpat Enin Constituency.

The Mkpat Enin Elders Forum is a converge of eminent personalities, prominent political stakeholders and leaders of thought in the Local Government Area. Dr. Sidney Udofot, a UK trained renowned medical doctor is Chairman of the highly respected forum, while Dr. Dominic Udoh, a former Commissioner for Agriculture in the State is the Deputy Chairman. A top women mobilizer and President, Eket Senatorial District Women’s Forum, Mrs Idara Ephraim Akpan is Treasurer of the body

At a well attended meeting held yesterday at the William Shakespeare Hall, Watbridge Hotels, Uyo, the forum, among other salients issues, set up a high powered committee to coordinate the three-fold swearing-in ceremonies for Pastor Umo Eno, Dr. Ekong Sampson and Uwem Imo-ita respectively.

A prominent grassroots politician, Rev. Obot Ekanem, who recently served as Director-general of the PDP Campaigns in Mkpat Enin was appointed, Chairman of the Inaugurations Coordinating Committee. Hon. Ini Akpan, popularly known as ‘Olokpo’, a member of the State Universal Basic Education Board(SUBEB), is Secretary of Committee.

In his address at the meeting, Chairman of the Forum, Dr. Sidney Udofot charged the elders council to brace up to shoulder responsibilities and help chart courses that will bring development, unity and togetherness to Mkpat Enin. The forum’s leader reassured that Mkpat Enin will continually offer full support for the incoming administration of Pastor Umo Eno, who was an illustrious in-law in the Local Government, to succeed.

In his goodwill message relayed via a telephone call, Senator-elect for Akwa Ibom South, Dr. Ekong Sampson lauded the forum for meeting to compare notes on trajectories to move Mkpat Enin forward. The former State Environment and Petroleum Resources Commissioner said such meetings were not only timely but should be more regular, as it was the only way the local government could build cohesion and pursue collective goals and aspirations.

Dr. Sampson, also, a former two term Lawmaker for Mkpat Enin assured of his readiness to work with the elders Forum to attract meaning development to the Local Government.

Meanwhile, commenting on the formation of the forum, more stakeholders of Mkpat Enin have lauded the initiative, describing it as ‘welcoming and step in the right direction’. Chapter Chairman of PDP in the area, Rt Hon. Anietie Sunday praised the constitution of the forum, suggesting for more defined criteria to determine membership.

On his part, Leader of Mkpat Enin Legislative Council, Hon. Ebong Akpan noted that the Elders Forum will offer ‘good direction’ to the affairs affecting the area. A Party Chieftain and political leader of Ukpum Minya Ward IV, Hon. Aniedi Ekanem commended the idea behind the forum, saying it was positioned for the greater good of the local government area.

Also commenting, a notable political chieftain in Ikpa Ibom Clan and Secretary of the PDP Campaigns in Mkpat Enin, Hon. Innocent Tom said the Local Government Area will benefit immensely from the wealth of experience epitomized in the Elders Forum.

Yesterday’s meeting had in attendance, some of whom also spoke, Vice Chairman of Mkpat Enin Local Government Council, Hon. Mercy Bassey, former Chairman of Council and PDP State Officer, Hon. Mfon Nkanteen, former CMD, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Prof. Etete Peters, Leader of the Mkpat Enin Legislative Council, Hon. Ebong Akpan.

Others were the Director-General of Campaigns in Mkpat Enin, Rev. Obot Ekanem and wife, Dr. Edo Obot Ekanem, a Senatorial aspirant in the just concluded election and MD of Madelyn Group, Barr. Ben Udowa, former PDP Chapter Chairman, Chief Friday Ayara, Convener of Mkpat Enin Unity Network, Dr. Friday Ufot Akpabio, Ward Leader of Ukpum Minya Ward IV, Hon. Aniedi Ekanem, Youth Council Chairman, Mkpat Enin, Rt Hon. Emem Alex, Gov’s Aide, Johnson Attah, among others.