The Executive Chairman, Uyo Local Government Council, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo has harped on the need for members of Atai Uyo People’s Forum (AUPF) to unite, saying that only unity would ensure a prosperous Atai Uyo.
Speaking when he played host to some members of the socio-political and cultural organisation – Atai Uyo People’s Forum – in his office Friday, July 2, 2021, Dr. Udo hinted that without unity, the dreams and visions of the organisation may not be achieved.
“I want to encourage all of you here, please our distinguished leaders in various fields, please unite and let the Forum continue to blossom. Do not let any pecuniary interest destabilise the organisation because the dreams and visions you have are all lofty and if you stay committed to these visions, we could achieve much more.
“Let this organisation not be an emergency organisation that will not be heard of after the 2023 political year and do not leave room for the forum to be hijacked by money bags, because that will not augur well for Atai Uyo.”
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The Uyo Council Boss commended the organisation for its interest in the politics of Akwa Ibom State but called on them to support the candidate who will sustain the tempo of peace and development as well as raise the bar in the area of industrialisation which the Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel has initiated as evident in the aviation industry, with Ibom Air dominating the space even in the West African region.
He commended the visioners for bringing people together to form a group that will galvanize Atai Uyo sons and daughters into a formidable force that will promote the interest of Atai Uyo.
Earlier in his address, the President General, Atai Uyo People’s Forum, Rt. Hon. Tony Asikpo, said the socio-political and cultural organisation is divinely inspired to serve as the umbrella for sons and daughters of the four local government areas in Uyo Federal Constituency, namely; Uyo, Uruan Ibesikpo Asutan, and Nsit Atai.
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While acknowledging the sterling performance of Dr. Uwemedimo Udo since his assumption of office as the Executive Chairman, Asikpo noted that he has redefined leadership in the local government system by executing projects that are unprecedented within 100 days in office.
“We make bold to acknowledge that you have redefined leadership in the local government. Mr Chairman, with these achievements, you have not only justified the mandate of the good people of Uyo LGA but you have not disappointed the academic community you came from, your teeming supporters and stakeholders in Uyo LGA. We pray to the Almighty God to keep you and sustain your leadership.
“We have seen your spirit of love and inclusion. You have brought about a greater sense of unity and development amongst our people and we are fully persuaded that you will take Uyo to greater heights.”
Atai Uyo, through their leader applauded Governor Udom Emmanuel-led administration for some human, infrastructural, and economic development projects that are established and currently being executed in the Federal Constituency.
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Speaking further, Asikpo called on political stakeholders in Uyo Local Government Area to review the single term policy for elective political offices.
Hear him: “It is pertinent to also appeal to political stakeholders in Uyo Local Government Area to kindly revisit their ‘single term’ policy for elective political offices, particularly as it concerns the chairmanship of Uyo Local Government and membership of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.
“We quite appreciate that the policy was to ensure rotation amongst component units. However, it has denied representatives of Uyo Local Government the privilege to enjoy senior ranking in the State Assembly or be elected as the Speaker. Within the Local Government System too, it has denied Uyo the privilege of leading ALGON or holding other key offices in the body. We believe that reviewing the policy will also encourage performance as only those with distinctive service records can be allowed a second term.
While calling for the immortalisation of past leaders of Atai Uyo such as late Obong Effiong Okon Eyo, popularly called, ‘Eyo Uyo’ and Chief Nyong Essien, Asikpo announced the organisation’s resolve to carry out Scholarship awards and empower indigent sons and daughters of Atai Uyo to acquire skills that would make them employers of labour.
He said AUPF was also ready to intervene in the provision of educational resources and Medicare among others within the Uyo Federal Constituency.
