‘Blame national leadership if PDP fails in Akwa Ibom’

TWO frontline members of Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Obong Victor Attah and Atuekong Don Etiebet, have said the national leadership of the party should be blamed if the opposition takes over Akwa Ibom State.

They made the observation during the grand finale of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial campaign at the Millennium Park on Udo Udoma road in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital city.

According to the duo, when they noticed what they described as injustice and impunity orchestrated by the leadership of the PDP in the state, the attention of the national leadership of the party was drawn to it, but they were given a deaf ear.

They noted that before November 2014, the state did not have any opposition, stressing that between then and now, the APC has suddenly become the party to beat “because when we reported, the state leadership of the party said we were expired politicians.”

“When we noticed that they was problem in the state, we reported to the national leadership of the party, but they refused to look into our complaint,” Etiebet said.

“But when a similar problem was reported in Lagos, Kebbi, Adamawa and others, the national leadership of the party went and settled it, but in Akwa Ibom State, the governor said there was no problem; that we were expired politicians.

“So, your (APC faithful) coming out in large number is a testimony to the national and state leadership of the PDP that there is problem in the state; therefore, change must come and Umana Okon Umana is the symbol of that change.

“I come here with Obong Victor Attah so that we join hands to deliver Akwa Ibom State to Akwa Ibom people through Umana Okon Umana of APC, as a vehicle of deliverance of Akwa Ibom people.”

For former Governor Attah leader of the Ibibios in the state, he is supporting the APC governorship candidate because the PDP candidate was not nominated by the party but by an individual.

“As I look around, everybody that could be described as politician in the state is here today,” he said.

“I was told that APC has taken over Akwa Ibom; I did not know it was total, but what I am seeing today is a sure sign that we have taken a firm decision to turn your back on something (PDP) you don’t like and to embrace something you like (APC).

“Today, we support Umana Okon Umana because of the compelling determining factors. Some of you may know that I am one of the 82 signatories that sign the Charter to establish the PDP in 1989.

“I am not only a founding father but remains a life member of the BOT, but here I am campaigning on APC platform.

“I am a leader of my people and they don’t want anyone to be imposed on them as a governor; they want Umana Okon Umana; that is why I am here.”

They commended the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC) for being resolute on the use of Card Reader, but pleaded with the commission to remain an umpire, as the law establishing the commission says.

Earlier, the APC gubernatorial candidate, Mr. Umana thanked the PDP bigwigs for supporting his ambition, saying it was only courageous and patriotic citizens that could take the stance they had taken.

“As a party, the APC wants to thank them for standing on the side of the people,” Umana said.

“What we are facing today in Akwa Ibom is an Akwa Ibom problem and they have come back to say we have to take back the state.”