A socio-cultural organization, Isong Annang Ethnic Forum(IAEF) has made its intentions known in the forthcoming general elections by endorsing President Bola Tinubu for re-election.
The organization also endorsed the Senate President, Chief Godswill Akpabio and the Akwa Ibom governor, Pastor Umo Eno, including candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates, saying that their leadership would be more rewarding in the next dispensation.
It also promised to mobilize support across the 10 local government areas of the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District and beyond for their successes at the polls.
The president-general of the organization, Prince Mendy Archibong ,made the declaration when he led executives,coordinators and members of body to a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ, Secretariat,Uyo Wednesday, .
“As we approach the 2027 General Elections, we urge the people to pay attention to records, programmes, ,competence, accountability, and the capacity of the leaders to deliver meaningful development,” he stressed.
He noted that Akwa Ibom benefits when its political leaders work together in the interest of the state irrespective of political differences, adding that Senator Akpabio’s position as the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,as provided Akwa Ibom with a significant representation at the national level.
Archibong encouraged all political actors and support groups to place the interest of Akwa Ibom above personal differences and to engage one another peacefully,
He affirmed that the leadership of the body would mobilize its members and electorate in support of President Tinubu, Senator Akpabio , Governor Eno, and all APC candidates, “believing that the future of Nigeria and Akwa Ibom must be built on peace and continuity for meaningful participation and development.
He said that the organisation would continue in sensitizing members and communities on responsible political participation, peaceful elections and issue-based engagement ,having been profiled by the Directorate of Support Groups in line with a directive of the Akwa Ibom State government .
“Isong Annang, therefore, declares its commitment to supporting programmes and policies that promote peace and development , youth empowerment , and economic well-being of the people.” Achibong said.
As a fully registered body with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) , he noted the Forum was committed to the advancement of well-being of the people, believing that development thrives where there is peace , cooperation, and purposeful leadership.
He acknowledged with delight the achievements of Governor Eno in the last three years, maintaining that the ARISE Agenda,had provided the framework for development strides of the present administration.
The president-general enumerated some of the projects and programmes of the governor to include road and housing infrastructure, health care, human capital, youth and women empowerment, and support for vulnerable persons
He further highlighted the ongoing Ibom International Hospital, compassionate homes, youth-friendly centres and the inauguration 39 projects across the 31 local government areas of the state ,as the demonstration of good governance by Governor Eno.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council,Comrade Nsibiet John, who congratulated the group on its emergence, reiterated the media’s commitment to work with groups for socio-political and economic development of the state and nation.
He applauded the Forum for its humanitarian interventions and contributions to improving the welfare of vulnerable members of society.
John urged political and community leaders to sustain constructive engagement with the media, stressing that journalists have a responsibility to report issues objectively and give all sides a fair hearing.
He also cautioned stakeholders against inflammatory statements capable of heating up the polity, particularly as the state approaches the 2027 general elections.
The NUJ chairman said the media would continue to promote peaceful dialogue, accountability and responsible participation in the democratic process.