A Pan Akwa Ibom Socio- political organization, Ibom Patriots has celebrated the political leader of Essien Udim Local Government Area, Obong Michael Afangide as he clocks 100 years of age.
The leadership of the organization which stormed the hometown of the Patriarch in Essien Udim on Saturday, October 7, 2019 said they decided to celebrate him owing to the fact that he is known to be a man who reflects courageous character and integrity in his life’s transactions.
According to the Chancellor of the Organization, Obong Bassey Inuaeyen who described Obong Afangide as the iroko of Akwa Ibom politics, the organization was impressed over the fact that despite 100 years of age is not easy to come by, Afangide is blessed with sound health and vitality even at old age.
He pointed out that the organization is also delighted over the fact that in his life sojourn, the Patriarch has remained the rallying point for the people of Annangland, Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District and Akwa Ibom State.
While eulogizing his numerous strides and sacrifices in the political history of the State, Inuaeyen offered insight to the fact that Afangide has remained a political force right from the days of Late Clement Isong as Governor of the erstwhile Cross River State, down to the current administration in Akwa Ibom.
The Chancellor added “Our visit here is for the celebration of a patriotic, true, fearless and people oriented leadership. A leadership that speaks for the downtrodden. You are a man who has demonstrated leadership through service. People come to you and acknowledge you as their leader. You are not a man who struggles for leadership. Yours is natural.
“I wish to note that when one is inaugurated as a leader, that is not history because you are not the first or last. It is only a historical fact. The real history is the impact you have made during your tenure and what you leave behind.
“Obong Afangide is not the first political leader, but in his time, he has created history through his works and what he stands for. He has worked tirelessly for the unity of this State. Sir, you believe in equity and fairness. You stood and said equity must be established in the politics of Akwa Ibom State.”
While noting that his era has been a major gain to the politics of the State, Inuaeyen recalled that despite being in the face of pressure, Afangide had stood by Clement Isong to the end, worked for Uyo Senatorial District to take governorship in 1999, pushed for Ikot Ekpene Senatorial district to succeed Uyo and supported Governor Udom Emmanuel to the end despite pressure from home.
The Chancellor stated that since equity and fairness is a virtue worth emulating, Ibom Patriots are not only proud of the strides he has recorded but are poised on following the fine leadership example of the Patriarch.
Inuaeyen said it is the wish of the organization that the Patriarch continue to live long with sound health so that he can give a direction come 2023 elections.
Responding, the Patriarch, Obong Michael Afangide thanked Ibom Patriots for the love shown him through the celebration.
He revealed that God and healthy lifestyle has been the secret of his long and healthy life.
Obong Afangide expressed optimism that through prayers and celebrations from friends, he is sure to see more years ahead.
Highpoint of the visit was the blessings of long life offered the leadership of the organization by the Patriarch.
Meanwhile, activities to mark 100 years of Obong Michael Afangide includes Public book presentation, titled: The Hidden Treasure… The Story Of Obong Michael Afangideh OON, JP’; held on Friday, December 6, at Regina Paci Hall, St. Anne’s Catholic Cathedral, Ifuho, Ikot Ekpene Diocese, and thanksgiving service on Sunday, December 8, 2019 at Christ the King Parish, Odoro Ikot, Essien Udim Local Government Area.
