By Patrick Titus, Uyo
Ahead of next year’s general elections, Isong Annang Ethnic Forum, a socio-political organisation with members drawn from the 10 local government areas of Akwa Ibom North West senatorial district has thrown its weight behind the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu, Godswill Akpabio as senator and Governor Umo Eno based on the existence of peace, cooperation and development in the state.
The group stated it has witnessed numerous development projects including roads, health facilities and schools in Akwa Ibom State which it said prompted them to endorse their re-election agenda.
At a press conference in Uyo on Wednesday, Mendie Archibong, President of the group said they took the decision based on their “commitment as a socio-political organisation to constructive participation in the affairs of our State and Country.”
According to him, since Governor Umo Eno’s assumption of office, his blueprint, the ARISE Agenda has “provided a framework for interventions in infrastructure, Education, Healthcare, Human capital Development, Youth Empowerment, rural Development and social investment.
“Across the State, we have witnessed road construction and rehabilitation, interventions in the Education sector, improvements in and programmes aimed at supporting vulnerable citizens.
“Beyond providing infrastructure, such initiatives create opportunities for young people to acquire skills, develop their talents and participate productively in society,” he stated.
Mendie who was accompanied by women leaders, youths and chieftains of the organisation explained that many projects initiated by the state government including the “Compassionate Homes and other humanitarian interventions also demonstrate an approach to Governance that recognises that Development must include the vulnerable and disadvantaged.
“We also acknowledge the ongoing construction of major projects, including the Ibom Specialist Hospital, which represents an important investment in the future of Healthcare delivery in the State.
“The recent commissioning and inauguration of numerous completed projects across the State further demonstrate the scale of infrastructure and development interventions being undertaken under the ARISE Agenda.
“For us, development is not merely about the number of projects completed. It is about how those projects affect ordinary people, whether a road makes transportation easier, whether a health facility saves a life, whether a school provides better learning opportunities, or whether a youth empowerment programme gives a young person a productive future.”
The group also expressed delight over the cordial relationship existing between members of the National Assembly from Akwa Ibom State and the Akwa Ibom State government noting that it “has contributed to a climate of cooperation that can facilitate development.
“We believe that Akwa Ibom benefits when its political Leaders work together in the interest of the State, irrespective of political differences.
“Godswill Akpabio’s position as President of the Senate has also provided Akwa Ibom with significant representation at the national level.
“We acknowledge his interventions in Legislative affairs and his various Empowerment initiatives targeted at constituents.
“For a State to maximise opportunities at the Federal level, it is important for its representatives to maintain constructive relationships with the national leadership.
“The Isong Annang Ethnic Forum therefore declares its commitment to supporting programmes and policies that promote peace, development, youth empowerment, economic opportunity and the wellbeing of Akwa Ibom people.
“The Isong Annang Ethnic Forum, having been duly profiled by the Directorate of Support Groups in line with the directive of the Akwa Ibom State Government, hereby declares its endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno, ahead of the 2027 General Elections.”
