By Nelson Enyieting
The Senator representing Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District, Senator Bassey Albert Akpan has debunked the rumours making the rounds that he has parted ways with Governor Udom Emmanuel soon after the March 9, 2019 Governorship Election.
Senator Akpan, popularly known as OBA, says his relationship with Governor Emmanuel is not only cordial but stable and fantastic.
The Senator stated this in an exclusive interaction with Crystal Express in his Uyo residence Thursday.
Describing the Governor as a brother, confidant, leader and a mentor, the two term Senator stated that he and the Governor are currently enjoying a stable relationship that predates the circumstances of the 2019 General Elections, stressing that no amount of rumours and blackmail would change the narrative.
“My relationship with the Governor is fantastic. The Governor is my brother, my confidant, my leader and my mentor. Anyone who is expecting me to quarrel with Governor Udom Emmanuel, will wait for a very long time and be disappointed. We are presently working together for the good and progress of Akwa Ibom people,” Senator Akpan declared.
He called on the right thinking members of the public to disregard such unfounded rumours which he described as not only false but a figment of the imagination of those peddling it.
While expressing delight over the unanimous support Akwa Ibom North East (Uyo) Senatorial District gave to Governor Emmanuel for his second term re-election bid, Senator Akpan pledged his continued support and cooperation to the Governor Emmanuel led administration to ensure the actualization of his completion agenda.
“By supporting the Governor to emerge victorious in his 2019 reelection bid, I did what my people who elected me as their Senator wanted which was in line with my personal conviction. The people of Uyo Senatorial District overwhelmingly and collectively resolved that Gov Emmanuel’s second term mandate was not negotiable, and as their son and Senator, I could not do otherwise.
“Unlike the Akwa Ibom North West (Ikot Ekpene) and Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senators, I was the only voice and serving Senator left for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State, reaffirming the collective decision of all stakeholders and leaders of Uyo Senatorial District. It was a unanimous wish and the desire of my people that Gov Emmanuel be given maximum support for his successful reelection.”
He maintained that his major and only concern at the moment, is to partner and support the Governor, work together with him to attract development and progress to Akwa Ibom State.
On his speculated 2023 governorship ambition, OBA said it was rather too early to go into such agitation few months after the general elections, stressing that such development may amount to distraction to the Governor, who according to him desires the collective support, positive contributions and cooperation of all to succeed in his completion agenda.
“To me, I think it is rather too early to bring that discourse in the court of public opinion, considering the fact that the present government is barely few months in office. What the Governor needs now is our support to help him succeed in his completion agenda, and not distractions as a result of personal political ambitions and agitations for succession. It is too early,” he said.
He argued that 2023 governorship aspiration should be left in the hands of God, who at appropriate time would choose the next Governor through the collective decision, wish and desire of all Akwa Ibom people.
“I see 2023 as a year that is totally in the hands of the Almighty God, who will manifest His powers at the appropriate time. For me, I will abide by the wishes of my people when the time comes. Whatever they want me to do, I will do,” he submitted.
