The Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerette Ekanem has declared that he was present when the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno pronounced the retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Udom Ekpoudom as the Political Leader of Etim Ekpo Local Government Area.
The Commissioner who was speaking during the APC stakeholders inaugural meeting on Tuesday February 10, at the residence of DIG Ekpoudom in Etim Ekpo, said as obedient appointee of the Governor, he needed to shelve other engagements to show solidarity to the Political Leader in line with the directive of the Governor.
Dr. Ekanem urged Etim Ekpo people to queue behind DIG Ekpoudom as the Political Leader of the Area, adding that whoever is not supporting the Political Leader, is indirectly challenging the authority of the Governor.
He recalled when the Governor called him and the local government chairman of Etim Ekpo, Hon. Gideon Uwah out with a clear directive for both of them to support DIG Ekpoudom as the political leader of Etim Ekpo.
According to the Commissioner, “If Governor did not pronounce DIG Ekpoudom as the Political Leader of Etim Ekpo, I would not have been here.
“Governor’s word is the word of a king. I would not be loyal to any other person than the Governor who singlehandedly appointed me Commissioner. I will never disappoint him or betray him.
“I am committed to the cause of expanding APC because my boss is in this party. I am proud of our political leader and I want everyone to support him.”
Earlier in his remark, DIG Udom Ekpoudom thanked the stakeholders for their support, recalling that on January 2nd , he was surprised when the Governor announced him as the Political Leader of the local government area.
DIG Ekpoudom said he was committed to ensuring All Progressives Congress, APC, in the area stand strong.
“This is my first meeting as the political leader of Etim Ekpo. On the 2nd January this year, the Governor pronounced that the Political Leader of Etim Ekpo is DIG Ekpoudom.
“I am here to appreciate you for the job well done. Etim Ekpo has only one Local government chairman and one political leader. I welcome all of you who came into the party. That is why God will continue to bless Pst Umo Eno.” Ekpoudom said.
The meeting featured other stakeholders speaking in support of the Political Leader.
