In a significant political engagement, executives of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Eket Local Government Area have paid a courtesy visit to the Political Leader of Eket/Eket Senatorial District, Rt. Hon. Chief Nduese Essien. The visit, held at the residence of the esteemed leader, was an opportunity for the party officials to formally introduce themselves and reaffirm their loyalty and commitment to the party’s leadership.
Leading the delegation, the PDP Chapter Chairman, Chief Hon. Uso Hanson, expressed gratitude to Chief Essien for granting them an audience. He emphasized that, as the leader of the party, it was essential to establish a direct working relationship with him following the recent elections and swearing-in of party officials. Hanson also highlighted Chief Essien’s legacy of effective representation during his tenure as a Member of the National Assembly and as a Minister in the Federal Government, acknowledging his contributions to the development of Eket and surrounding areas.
The Chapter Chairman advised ward chairmen to respect their ward leaders and elders, urging collaboration for the party’s collective success. He further assured Chief Essien of the party’s unwavering support, stating, “We know you won’t lead us astray.” He also lauded the Executive Chairman of Eket Local Government, Mkpisong Hon. Akaniyene Tommey, for his inclusive leadership and developmental initiatives, particularly the appointment of party officers as Special Assistants and Personal Assistants.
In his response, Chief Essien welcomed the party executives and charged them to optimize their positions for service, emphasizing the importance of building political capital. In a moment of candid reflection, he admitted that he initially did not favor Chief Uso Hanson but had grown to admire his leadership due to his impressive performance as Chapter Chairman, attributing his success to the mentorship of his father, Chief C. H. Isong.
The former Minister for Lands also commended the leadership of the Executive Chairman, Mkpisong Akaniyene Tommey, stating that he would have openly criticized him if he was not leading well. Chief Essien advised party members to be mindful of their speech and actions, citing his own experience of being misunderstood when he engaged a consultant to study roads in Eket, leading to the approval of 13 out of 33 roads for rehabilitation.
The meeting also featured a celebratory moment as the Chapter Secretary, Elder Samuel Okon, proposed a toast in honor of Chief Essien’s 81st birthday, praying for his continued health and well-being.
The event concluded with a lively gathering where party officials, including the Councillor representing Central 2, Hon. Rose Sylvanus, and Hon. Emmanuel Amos, celebrated together.
Various party leaders and stakeholders, including the Publicity Secretary, Joseph Ekong, Vice Chairman Hon. Kingsley Umem, Women Leader Mrs. Glory Ayang, and others, took turns praising Chief Uso Hanson for his leadership and commitment to party growth.
In his closing remarks, Chief Uso Hanson pledged to strengthen the PDP in Eket, setting up a party caucus to align decisions and prevent internal conflicts.
The visit reaffirmed party unity and the leadership’s commitment to fostering political stability and development in the region.
