Dennis Udoma

Since the recent appointment of some prominent Akwa Ibom State indigenes into federal agencies and commissions by President Muhammadu Buhari, more commendations have continued to pour in from groups in the state.

The latest is coming from the Congress of 9, a socio-cultural and political group in Akwa Ibom with network of affiliates across Nigeria.

The group in jubilation Friday, expressed happiness that, the appointments of former Deputy-Governor, Obong Nsima Ekere as Managing Director, Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and, the Governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 elections, Obong Umana Okon Umana as the Managing Director, Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Authority (OGFTZA), is a welcome development.

A statement issued in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital and signed by its Chairman and facilitator, Obong Sunny Elijah which was made available to newsmen said, Mr President’s love for the state through the appointments would go a long way in deepening the confidence of the group in the people.
He said, the news when it was broken, rekindled their hope and great feelings of satisfaction.

Obong Elijah, who described the appointees as good followers with sterling leadership qualities of administration as well as dedication and commitment to duty affirmed that, they will bring their wealth of experience to bear on the jobs to justify the confidence of Mr President.

According to the statement, “The news of the appointments of Obong Nsima Ekere and Obong Umana Okon Umana inspired wide jubilation by the people of Akwa Ibom State as it came with great feelings of satisfaction that, President Muhammadu Buhari made the right choice.

“The sterling leadership qualities of Obong Nsima Ekere, his dedication and commitment to any given assignment were exemplified in his previous duties as Deputy-Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Chairman, Akwa Ibom Investment and Industrial Promotions Council (AKIIPOC). He was also the leader of the famous G-22, a coalition for the freedom of Akwa Ibom people.

“Obong Umana Okon Umana championed the cause of Change for the emancipation of Akwa Ibom people during the last general elections as Gubernatorial candidate of APC; a struggle which was painfully terminated at the Supreme Court. The administrative experiences of Obong Umana Okon Umana are numerous having served previously as Commissioner for Finance and later Secretary to Akwa Ibom State government.

“We believe that with their amiable dispositions and savvy in leadership, their appointments will assist Mr. President in realizing his vision for a changed Nigeria’’.

The Congress of 9, Akwa Ibom North-East (Uyo Senatorial District), comprises of men and women of timber and calibre among them: Hon. Samuel Efanga, Bishop Ekpe James, Prince Ekerendu Esitikott and Obong Nse Akpaeno.

Others are; Mr. Bassey Mfon Awah, Obong Dan Akai, Obong Ini Obot, Elder Monday Akrah and Obonganwan Iniobong Ibok amongst others.

They thanked President Buhari for also appointing Hon. Samuel Frank as Commissioner, NDDC and Engr. Benedict Ukpong as National Commissioner, National Population Commission and, pledged their continued support to the ongoing effort by the federal government to reposition the country.