Akwa Ibom state governor and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the state, Udom Emmanuel, has said that his party is a model to be emulated by all others across Nigeria.
The governor made the remark at the state-owned international stadium, Nest of Champions, while commending the peaceful organization and transparency in the conduct of the state party congress and the seamless transition of leadership on Thursday.
The PDP elected a new State Executive Committee (SEC) consisting of 39 persons.
Emmanuel described Akwa Ibom PDP as a model of the party in Nigeria and indeed an ideal of democracy and party politics.
According to him, “PDP in Akwa Ibom State is a model of the PDP and party politics in Nigeria. Officials of INEC are here with other observers, let them tell me which state they gone to whose party congress will be as organized, orderly, peaceful, transparent and cohesive as what you’ve seen today in Akwa Ibom.
“This is a model of democracy in Nigeria. This is a model of party politics in Nigeria”.
While congratulating the incoming executives of the party, the governor harped on dedication and loyalty, charging them to prove themselves faithful as those entrusted to anchor the affairs of the party for the next four years.
New Excos
The new state chairman of the party, Mr Udo Ekpenyong, who was until the election, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and other aspirants were elected unopposed.
The election, which had 3,845 delegates, saw the emergence of Mr Harrison Ekpo and Mr Borono Bassey as the new State Secretary and Publicity Secretary of the party respectively.
Emmanuel advised the new chairman to maintain the democratic tradition of the party, remain close to God and be faithful to the ideals of the party.
He said the party is challenged to accomplish more for the growth of the state despite the already recorded achievements.
Emmanuel commended the efforts of the outgoing SEC in repositioning the party and enthroning peace in its affairs, adding that the PDP had remained a model of party politics and political democracy in the country.
In his acceptance speech, Ekpenyong, who attributed his election to God’s grace, promised to be focused and determined to consolidate on the gains already made, as well as take the party to greater heights.
He commended the outgoing SEC for laying a good foundation for the new one and promised that there would be political inclusion and consultation, adding that he would give the party a human face while asking party members to remain loyal.
“Together we make a solemn promise not to let the party down and to work closely with the leader of the party and State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel,” he said.
The outgoing chairman, Mr Paul Ekpo, praised party members for their cooperation, saying his tenure witnessed the institutionalization of internal democracy within the party.
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