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| Governor Akpabio |
The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has backed the decision of Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio to zone the governorship ticket to Eket senatorial district.
A statement yesterday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, said the party backed Akpabio after reviewing the decision of an enlarged stakeholders’ meeting in the state’s chapter.
The statement said: “The National Working Committee (NWC) has accepted and fully endorsed the decision to zone the Akwa Ibom State governorship position to Eket senatorial zone.
“Accordingly, the NWC expects that only aspirants from Eket senatorial zone will present themselves for the governorship primary election in the state.
“In the spirit of internal democracy, the NWC promises that there will be free, fair and transparent congresses. Aspirants from Eket senatorial zone are, therefore, encouraged to fully participate in the process.”
But over 12 other aspirants of the PDP from other districts in the state have kicked against the decision.
They said the move could worsen the charged political atmosphere in the state.
One of the aspirants, Obong Bassey Albert, said the party and the governor should have arethink on the matter in the interest of other aspirants and the party’s unity.
Addressing reporters yesterday in Abuja, Albert urged Akpabio and the leaders of the party to ensure a level-playing field for all aspirants.
Albert, who described himself as one of Akpabio’s close associates, stressed that having served under the governor as Finance Commissioner for seven years, he had adequate training under Akpabio’s tutelage.
This, he said, prepared him for the mantle of leadership in the state.
The aspirant said he was part of the success story of Akpabio’s “uncommon transformation”.
Albert said: “I have been mentored by Governor Akpabio, having served as his Finance Commissioner for seven years. I was part of his success story.
“I was part of the uncommon transformation of Akwa Ibom State. With due respect, I have what it takes to continue where my governor stopped. As an insider, I am in the best position to step into his shoes. I have what it takes to take the state to the next level.
“As the Commissioner of Finance for seven years, I was part of the uncommon transformation in the state. I prepared and supervised the implementation of the budget for seven years.”
The 42-year-old aspirant expressed worry over the governor’s perceived preference for a former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Udom Emmanuel, who hails from Eket.
Albert said: “As a human being, Governor Akpabio has the right to prefer any of us as his successor. There is nothing wrong with that. But my appeal to him is to let the people of Akwa Ibom decide the next governor.
“The party and the governor should allow internal democracy in the PDP be the method to determine the next governor.”
...culled from THE NATION
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