When on 10th May, 2016 I was elected as the state publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Akwa Ibom State, I left the stadium (which was the venue of the congress that elected me) feeling the full weight of the burden that had been placed on my frail shoulders. Accompanying this huge weight was the extremely high expectations from a cross section of the public. I immediately turned to God asking for His grace, guidance, direction and protection in the discharge of my duties. Today, I can say that of a truth, God answered my prayers and was with me every single day of my service as Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Akwa Ibom State chapter. I therefore must be careful to return all the glory, adoration and praise to Him and Him alone.
It is a fact that a man succeeds to the degree of help he receives. In my case, I received incredible help from people too numerous to mention. Today, being my last day as Publicity secretary, I pray that the Lord will in abundance bless all my helpers. HE the Governor has been phenomenal in his help; HE the First Lady has always mothered me and been a pillar;HE Moses Ekpo took me as his son; the State Chairman, Obong Paul Ekpo gave me the latitude to express myself;my dear brother, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke and his lovely wife Uduak, have always been there for me in ways I can’t explain; from a chance meeting to a bonded friendship Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey is a great guy; Prince Enobong Uwah was very timely at various instances offering strategic support that helped the secretariat; Elder Ben Udobia assumed the role of father of the secretariat, Min Emmanuel Inyang, Mr Bassey Esang, Vic Robert, Ofon Udobot and Isaac were definitive in their support. So many people were helpful that space will fail me to enumerate.
My colleagues at the State Executive Committee have always had my back with their prayers; Mr XTO agreed to partner me at a time when the future was unsure; the Publicity secretariat led at different times by different Media Relations Officers was the ground upon which I stood to deliver. I must appreciate all of the great people who worked their hearts out to record the successes we did. My happiness is that you guys own the new Publicity Secretary and his Assistant and will be enjoying state of the art facilities at the new secretariat.
I congratulate the new Publicity Secretary Mr. Borono Bassey and the Assistant Publicity Secretary, Mr Itoro Noah on their election. I trust that they will deliver beyond expectation. I pray that God will open the heaven above them and pour forth wisdom and blessing on them. They must succeed.
To my family, Chi and the kids, mum and dad and my elder and only brother, Charles – I thank you for the understanding you showed when it looked like I was putting myself in harm’s way; the prayers you unceasingly offered and the support you unrelentingly gave. I would have loved to say that I’m returning to you, but a higher calling beckons and I must as a matter of duty accept. A call to contribute to the actualization of the completion agenda of HE Udom Emmanuel at a time as critical as this.
I must as a matter of course, tender my unreserved apologies to all those who may have been hurt or troubled by my actions and or inactions. In the discharge of my duties as Publicity Secretary, I needed to defend the party, our candidates and interests as against those of the opposition. I also bear no grudges against anybody. I must also apologise in advance to those whom I will have to offend in the course of the discharge of my duties as Honorable Commissioner for Information.
I trust that the Lord who saw me through the past years will see me through the years to come, to the glory of His name. I desire the prayers of every person who wishes me well.
Comrade Ini Ememobong
Commissioner for Information and Strategy
