...As Udom, Okowa Advocate Free, Fair Election.
Michael Ufot
As Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) South-South and South-East zones, engaged Governors, political leaders and party chairmen from the eleven states of the zones in an inter-party dialogue against the forthcoming general election in 2019, Governors of Akwa Ibom state, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, and Delta state, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa have called for free, fair and credible election that would give the country Nigeria good image in Africa and the world at large.
The Governors made the calls while addressing Stakeholders, Political leaders and Executive Members of IPAC from the two zones during an inter-Party dialogue organised by Inter-Party Advisory Council, South-South/South-East Zones held yesterday at Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo.
Speaking, the Akwa Ibom state Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel thanked IPAC for uniting the two political zones to speak in one voice, noting that the move will contribute in no small measure to the growth and advancement of democracy in Nigeria.
"Understanding that democracy thrives in plurality, the Inter-party Advisory council has found the need to contribute through this forum to the growth and advancement of democracy. This make IPAC a partner in the great task of strengthening our democracy. You have consistently looked beyond party line and promoted the larger interest of Akwa Ibom people and Nigeria at larger." He said.
Governor Emmanuel who was represented by his Special Adviser on Political/Legislative Matters and Water Resources, Barr Ekong Sampson, mentioned that the dialogue has offered yet another opportunity for the two zones to examine ways of harnessing their vast potentials in the complex milieu the country presents, expressing hope that IPAC would explore an approach towards a strong economy in a democracy that protects the basic rights and freedoms of the people and the rule of law.
On his part, the Delta state Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa represented by his Senior Special Adviser on Political Matters, Chief Festus Ochonogo appluaded IPAC for the initiative, saying that dialogue is the only way out to ensure proper transformation, development of human resources and dividends of good governance.
"We need dialogue to refine the entire political structures in the two zones, and i specifically thank IPAC for taking this bold step in strengthening our democratic system." He added.
Dr. Okowa who doubled as the Chairman of the occasion, expressed confidence that the dialogue will further challenge Nigerians across the geo-political zones to defend democracy and build strong institutions and national cohesion , reiterating that strong and dependent institutions make democracy formidable and productive. He called on other bodies and organizations at both governmental and non-governmental to take a cue from the initiative to help build a virile and model democracy for Nigerians.
In his opening remark, the chairman of the South-South/South-East Zones of IPAC, Xst Amb. Martins Inyang boasted that IPAC has accomplished its core mandate of ensuring unity among political parties in the zones, stating that the occasion was to dialogue the way forward for political stability in the two zones.
He thanked the Governors and major stakeholders for honoring the invitation, assuring that with their useful engagement of ideas, the zones would have greater political benefits in the nearest future.
Other speakers were the IPAC National chairman, Hon. Mohammed Nalado, Hon. Emeka Okafor IPAC Chairman, South-East, Traditional Rulers from the eleven states, among others.
High points of the event was the presentation of award of Excellence to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, presentation of papers, cultural displays among others. The event continued on Saturday 28 July 2018.
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