By Enwono-Abasi Elisha
The Secretary of All Progressives Congress Caretaker Committee, Sen. J. Akpan Udoedeghe said he is in support of the Akwa Ibom State Governor’s move to curb cultism and flush out cultists in leadership positions in the State.
He said this during an exclusive media chat with Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA) on Saturday.
”I agree with Governor Udom Emmanuel that no cultist should rule Akwa Ibom State because when the righteous is on the throne, the people rejoice but when the wicked rule, the people mourn.
“It might be fashionable for you to form a pact with Satan to belong or to become, but the repercussions are unimaginable. Our people should live a righteous life and follow Christ. The gains may not be immediate but the harvests are much in due cause.”
He also said the opposition party can not go into Local Government elections in the State, describing it as battle in futility.
“If you expect APC to go into Local Government Elections in Akwa Ibom state, it is a waste of time. Why do you want to go to a battle that is already won?”
He acknowledged that the Government in power always take the shot when it has to do with LG elections.
The Board Member of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Sen. Akpanudoedehe said the Congress Caretaker Committee is to form policies to unite the Party for a fortified outing in the coming years.
He however noted that recent rating of the State as second in unemployment level in the Country by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) is an issue which should be researched by the opposition party to framed a policy out of it.
“We will address the NBS report on Akwa Ibom unemployment rate very soon. The opposition must study it, because it is a party versus party issue.”
Furthermore, the APC Chieftain in State said for better development to be achieved in the State, poverty should be reduced by forming policies and programs for the youth to be gainfully engaged.
“The level of human worship and reverence shows the depth of poverty in Akwa Ibom State. There must be a programme everyone can key in to eradicate poverty irrespective of your party.”
He however commended the President Buhari led administration for initiating programs like the N-Power and Home Grown Feeding Program etc; which tackle unemployment and poverty beyond party divide.
The former Senator said it is time that Government in power (whether in State or Federal) should draft and enforce programs to benefit all without party limits.
In celebration of his one year Pastoral ordination, Sen. Udoedeghe said his actions and words are now guided to depict the gospel which he preaches everywhere he goes.
He added that his Pastoral Call is not theological but by Prophecy.
“I will mark my first anniversary as a pastor by praising God. My pastoral call has nothing to do with politics. I am not a theological pastor, I am a pastor by prophecy.”
However, the Ibibio son said though he was bittered when gubernatorial ticket was taken from him in 2015 and also blackmailed in 2019; he is ready to take over the gubernatorial seat in 2023 as it is the turn of the Ibibios of Uyo to take over the seat.
“I have paid my dues, it is now my turn to become the Governor of Akwa Ibom State. Zoning has come to stay in Akwa Ibom State.”
