Akwa Ibom LG Poll: APC on course to win Ibeno; Eunice Thomas mobilizes voters

As the political clock ticks towards the much-anticipated local government elections in Akwa Ibom State, Southern Nigeria, this Saturday, a stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Non-Executive Director on the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Dr. Eunice Samuel Thomas, has mobilized voters across the units and wards in Ibeno Local Government Area to deliver victory for its chairmanship and councillorship candidates.

Dr. Thomas, a former Commissioner for Education and Women Affairs respectively in Akwa Ibom who led party faithful to a colourful APC campaign rally on Tuesday, 1st October, 2024, in Upenekang, assured of victory in the council polls.

The rally which drew a massive crowd of party stakeholders, elders, royal fathers, youths and women, served as an opportunity for the people to express gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Dr. Thomas to the highly reputable office.

Crowd of enthusiastic APC supporters at the rally

It was also a platform to acknowledge President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio’s effective representation and immense efforts in uniting the APC in Akwa Ibom.

Dr. Thomas was commended for her huge contributions in energizing the party in Ibeno, ensuring its unity and making it formidable.

Before addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Dr. Eunice Thomas led a solemn moment of silence in honour of the Late First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Umo Eno.

In her tribute, she extolled the virtues of the Late Mrs. Eno and offered prayers for the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, the First Family, and the entire Akwa Ibom community during this period of profound loss.

Eunice Thomas, who holds a Doctorate in Human Resources Management from the University of Canterbury, expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for his commitment to addressing poverty, insecurity, and other societal challenges through his Renewed Hope agenda.

She assured that the people of Ibeno are ready to secure victory in the forthcoming council polls.

Dr. Thomas specifically applauded Senator Akpabio for his recent empowerment initiatives that benefited many Akwa Ibom sons and daughters.

She frowned at the attitude of some leaders in the area who only seek to befriend the people during election seasons.

Highlighting her continuous efforts in empowering women and youths through business support, vocational training, and scholarships, Dr. Thomas called for votes for the APC chairmanship and councillorship candidates.

Mr. Inyang-Umar Efanga is the chairmanship candidate of the party.

Dr. Thomas emphasized that Efanga, alongside the APC councillorship candidates in the ten wards of Ibeno, are prepared to deliver effective leadership and urged residents to come out early for accreditation, cast their votes, and ensure their votes are counted.

She expressed optimism that the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) would uphold its integrity by being upright.

Several speakers at the rally maintained the stance of Dr. Thomas, affirming that their extensive campaigns across polling units and wards have been met with overwhelming support.

On his part, the chairmanship candidate, Mr. Inyang-Umar Efanga, who referred to himself as the best man for the job, pledged to prioritize education, healthcare, and vocational training, with a focus on youth certification in the oil and gas sector.

He also promised to work closely with traditional institutions to develop rural wards across Ibeno.

Highpoint of the rally was the official presentation of party flags to all APC candidates in Ibeno.

Ibeno:

Ibeno, a Local Government Area (LGA) in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, is a vibrant community with a rich cultural heritage.

Located in the southern part of the state, Ibeno borders the Atlantic Ocean, offering breathtaking scenery and economic opportunities.

The population  engages in various economic activities, including fishing, agriculture (mainly cassava, yam, and palm oil production), and oil and gas exploration.

Tourism also plays a significant role, with the popular Ibeno Beach attracting visitors seeking relaxation and recreational activities.

Despite its natural beauty and economic potential, Ibeno faces several challenges.

Environmental degradation due to oil spills poses a significant threat to the area’s ecosystem.

Limited access to electricity and poverty are additional concerns that affect the quality of life for residents.

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