Okobo affirms support for Senator Bassey Akpan, inaugurates ‘Okobo For OBA’

The ancient village of Afaha Osu in Okobo local government area on Saturday witnessed a huge turn out of political stakeholders including Akwa Ubokabasi team, groups, members of the ruling People Democratic Party in the state as well as the Young Progressives Party to declare unalloyed support and solidarity for the candidature of the flagbearer of the Young Progressives Party, Senator Bassey Albert in the forthcoming 2023 governorship election in Akwa Ibom State.

The event which witnessed the crème de la crème in Okobo politics had notable attendees including four former chapter chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party in Okobo namely Rt. Hon. Maurice Fimba aka Suleiman, Mr John Afahanam, Chief Victor Amba and Mr Bassey Ntekim.

Addressing the gathering the former Chairman of Okobo LGA and member representing Okobo LGA in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Engr. Asukwo Odiong thanked the stakeholders for keeping faith with the OBA’s project. Asukwo Odiong who is respected for his creditable performance while in office implored Okobo stakeholders to remain steadfast irrespective of the current politics of exclusion and blackmail in Okobo. He advised the people never to give up as Senator Bassey Albert Akpan offers renewed hope.

In his opening speech the former lawmaker drawing inference from a renowned novelist and legend, Prof Chinua Achebe stated that “since the hunters have learned to shoot without missing the birds have also learned to fly without perching”. Okobo people must develop new methods in line with new realities for the ballot revolution come 2023. He urged Okobo people to leave behind the marginalization, discrimination, and outright abandonment by the present system because OBA has offered a huge hope, excellent and realistic promise for a greater Okobo in particular and Akwa Ibom State in general. He called for strong synergy among all interest groups including Akwa Ubokabasi, Okobo for OBA, the YPP family as well as key stakeholders for political success in 2023.

Also speaking, the candidate of the Young Progressives Party for Okobo State constituency, Barr Emmanuel Ekpenyong thanked the YPP family and members of the Akwa Ubokabasi campaign structure, and all stakeholders. He called for relentless efforts in the desire to sail the ship to a safe berth. He called members to learn from their principal Senator Bassey Albert Akpan who despite his acceptance and massive support from the people across the nooks and crannies of Akwa Ibom State has continued to work relentlessly ahead of the 2023 general elections. The YPP State House hopeful promised to raise the tempo as he continues to engage stakeholders, the party as well as the people of Okobo on his match to victory, promising to change the narratives in 2023.

And progressing the engagement on behalf of the former chapter chairmen the immediate past chapter Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Okobo LGA, Rt. Hon. Maurice Fimba called on the people to eschew pretense and double standards and stand up for their convictions. He seized the moment to announce his defection which will be formalised during the formal opening of the YPP chapter secretariat on Tuesday 23rd August 2022.

In his admonition, the leader of the YPP in Oro nation Chief Akaiso pleaded with the entire party structure, campaign organisation, and groups to work hand in hand for the success of the party in 2023.

The high point of the event was the inauguration of Okobo for the OBA Group. In his acceptance speech the coordinator of Okobo for OBA, Mr Bassey Ubuo expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to drive the dream. He promised to work hard and remain loyal to the course.

Speaking on behalf of Okobo women, Mrs Josephine Ukoh, a renowned grassroots mobiliser tasked the women to go all out to project Senator Bassey Akpan whom she described as Akwa Ibom Political Messiah.

Responding on behalf of the ward coordinators, Pastor Otoyo promised to work as a team.

In a closing remark, Hon. Ben Etap beckoned on the people to test the popularity of the party in Oro nation with the upcoming House of representatives bye-election to replace late Rt. Hon. Nse Ekpenyong.

Other notable faces who graced the event include former secretary of Okobo local government area, Mr Brendan Ekpenyong, former SSA to Governor Udom Emmanuel and President Esu Nlap Oro, Mr Joseph Bassey, YPP chapter Chairman for Okobo LG, Bisung Okon Ekpenyong, Chapter Secretary, Mr Xavier Edemekong among others.