The
political landscape of Uruan, a key local government area in Akwa Ibom
North-East Senatorial District, changed dramatically on Friday with the
defection of a former Chairman of the local government, Engr. Etetim
Okon, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives
Congress (APC).
Okon, a business magnate and political kingmaker popularly called Metikon, defected along with over 200 of his supporters at a ceremony held in Idu, the Uruan local government headquarters.
In his speech at the event which attracted the APC state leadership and many prominent politicians in Uruan, the ex-Chairman said he was joining the APC to help effect change in Uruan and Akwa Ibom State, noting that the PDP, the ruling party, was collapsing fast.
He made it clear that he was not joining to seek any elective position but to ensure that the APC emerges victorious in the 2019 elections.
Receiving the defectors, the State APC Chairman, Dr. Amadu Attai assured them of equal rights in the party in line with the APC constitution which did not discriminate between old and new members.
Flanked by the State APC Secretary, Dr. Effiong Etok, and the Chairman for Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District, Obong Kufre Inyangette, Attai said the APC had its roots in Uruan and promised the people of the area commensurate reward for their overwhelming support for the party.
The APC Leader in Uruan, Engr. Ime Mbom said the defection of Okon, a heavyweight politician, and his supporters had strengthened the party more to further make Uruan an APC stronghold.
The Uruan APC Chapter Chairman, Mr. Felix Akpan, promised the new members inclusion in the affairs of the party but charged them to exhibit orderly conduct.
Others who spoke at the event were the immediate past House of Assembly Member for Uruan, Obong Kufreabasi Etuk, a former Chairman of Uruan Local Government, Barr. Nyong Etim Udo, the Uruan South-South Zonal Leader, Obong Dan Akai, a retired bureaucrat, Engr. Edet Umana, a seasoned medical practitioner, Dr. Emmanuel Effiong, and a woman leader, Dr. Theresa Edem.
The event was witnessed by a former State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Donatus Okon and other APC chieftains in Uruan including Apostle Emmanuel Edemeka, Colonel Okon Nyong (rtd),
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