Akwa Ibom residing in Lagos on Saturday congregated at Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio Hall in Surulere for the inauguration of the new executives of Ibesikpo Asutan Community.
Those who took the oath of office were Messrs Edet Etim, president; Bassey Ndak, first vice president; Anthony Edem, general secretary; Jimmy Jimmy, assistant general secretary; Ene Usanga, treasurer; Lawrence Edet, financial secretary; Ime Akpan, public relations officer; Mrs Mfon Ekpenyong, second vice president; and Ms Dora Bassey, assistant financial secretary.
In his post inauguration speech, Etim pledged to take the association to its zenith. He expressed his appreciation to the members for supporting his administration during the first term and enjoined them to work in concert to grow the association.
“I humbly appeal to everyone to remain constructive and work together with one mind to avoid division. Let us continue to uphold the spirit of unity and progress for the growth of our community,” he said.
Etim added that “accountability is my philosophy” while promising that his second term would be an improvement on the first.
Similarly, the chairman, board of trustees of the association, Mr Ubong Jackson sued for cooperation with the newly-elected officers to develop the community.
He emphasised on oneness of mind, saying it is the bedrock of achieving great things.
In his goodwill message, the president of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Lagos Chapter, Mr Uwem Idaha, applauded the association for conducting a rancorous-free election which produced the new officers.
He said he observed the election and was impressed by the way it all went and prayed God to guide and direct the affairs of the group.
For his part, the president of the Akwa Ibom State Community (AKISCOM) in Lagos, Dr. Edet Ambang, said he had no doubt in the leadership of the association and wished the community well in its endeavours.
He pledged that AKISCOM would partner with the association to prioritise the well-being of Akwa Ibom residents in Lagos.
In his goodwill message, the liaison officer, Akwa Ibom State Government Liaison Office, Lagos, Mr Samuel Asuquo, represented by a principal liaison officer, Mrs Itohowo Salami, pledged the state government’s support for the growth and development of Ibesikpo Asutan.
The local government is made up of Ibesikpo, with 42 villages while Asutan clan has 39.
Power-sharing arrangement involves rotating the office of the president between the two entities to ensure a sense of belonging and to prevent the domination of political power by any one section.
The rule is that if Asutan bloc produces the president, the first vice president, treasurer and general secretary positions are occupied by Ibesikpo clan while Asutan takes the assistant general secretary slot.
During any election, only candidates from the bloc that the three offices have been zoned to are eligible to vie for them (offices).
