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Tag: Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo

  • Ekpo restates commitment to consolidating Tinubu’s legacies

    Ekpo restates commitment to consolidating Tinubu’s legacies

    Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, has stated his commitment to consolidating the legacies of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration saying no efforts will be spared to extend the benefits to the people of Akwa Ibom State.

    Part of the strategies to consolidate the gains of the administration, Ekpo said is deepening relationships with players in the political space, including enhancing the working relation with the Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno to return Tinubu for another term in office.

    He disclosed this in a statement by his spokesman, Mr Louis Ibah , while debunking reports purportedly pushed out by a group:  ‘Concerned Members of the All Progressives in Akwa Ibom State,’ which accused him of being part of persons allegedly recruited into a plot by the State governor to sabotage Tinubu’s second term aspiration.

    Ekpo categorically denied any involvement in any plot whatsoever to sabotage President Tinubu ‘s re-election efforts.

    The minister said the allegations  were not only false but ridiculous because he is known by all as a loyal and dedicated member of the APC.

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    The statement reads:” Governor Eno who is of the PDP is leading a peaceful administration in Akwa Ibom State and has no interference with activities that go on in the All Progressives Congress (APC.)

    “These allegations are not only false, but also ridiculous as Ekpo is known by all as a loyal and dedicated member of the APC.

    “In fact, his commitment to the party and its ideals is unwavering, and he has consistently demonstrated this through his actions and leadership.

    “Without doubt, Rt. Hon. Ekpo played a pivotal role in the formation of the Akwa Ibom Democratic Forum (ADF), a political platform that served as a rallying point for Akwa Ibom indigenes and contributed significantly to the APC’s successes in the 2023 elections.

    “His efforts led to the emergence of the Senate President and two House of Representatives members in the 2023 polls, and a Local Government Chairman (in Essien Udim) and many councillorship seats in Essien Udim and Ika Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the just concluded LGA election in the state.

  • Group absolves Ekpo of alleged anti-party activities

    Group absolves Ekpo of alleged anti-party activities

    A socio- political group, Niger Delta Crusaders for Good Governance in Nigeria (NDCGGN), has described the recent media attacks on Minister for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo as the handwork of political jobbers and detractors who are seeking undue political attention. 

    This position was contained in a statement by the National Coordinator of the group, Mene Isaac on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. 

    The group in the statement further described the media attacks as attempt aiming at smearing the cordial relationship existing between the Federal Minister and the President of the Senate, Senator Godswil Akpabio and also aiming at bringing the good reputation and the lofty achievement of the Federal Minister to disrepute. 

    The statement reads in part: “We have observed with keen interest the recent development in the media space especially from some sponsored local tabloids based in Akwa Ibom State where the Senate President is quoted as expressing “untrust” with the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas) Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo. 

    “The report also accused the Minister of alleged involvement in anti-party activities because of his alleged 2031 governorship ambition and also accused him of awarding contracts to members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State.  

    “Normally, we would not have given such pieces of fake news any reply but for the sake of the public who deserves to know the truth, we will like to set the records straight for posterity. 

    “These allegations are untrue, false, baseless and unfounded as there’s never a time the Senate President met with Stakeholders of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District to express doubt about  the minister’s loyalty to the party.”

    They asserted that no such meeting or expression of doubt occurred and characterized these allegations as false and unfounded.

    “It is inaccurate and misleading to suggest that a prominent leader like Akpabio would accuse a minister without substantial evidence or context,” the group explained.

    The group stated that the Minister and the Senate President are in a good relationship and are working together for the development of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria in general and warned those behind the attacks to desist from their evil antics of trying to sow seed of discord between the two distinguished leaders of Akwa Ibom. 

    They however threatened to expose those behind the media attacks if they don’t desist. 

    It said: “We wish to also state  that as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, his office is always open for every Nigerian who wish to transact any business with the government. Let it also be clear that the Minister never awarded any contract to Hensek or anyone in PDP. 

    “The Minister has never been involved in any anti-party activity whether in the state or anywhere. 

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    “However, as a man of peace and for the sake of the development of Akwa Ibom State, the Minister appreciates the cordial relationship existing between the Senate President , Senator Godswil Akpabio, his office and the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno despite their party differences.  

    “So, accusing the Minister of kickstarting campaigns for 2031governorship ambition is not only laughable but balderdash and pure lies,” the statement opined. 

    The group challenged anyone that Ekperikpe Ekpo has consulted or informed about any governorship ambition in 2031 as alleged to speak out, adding that the intention of Ekperikpe Ekpo’s detractors is to create disaffection between the minister and his boss, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

    The group while extolling the stellar performance of the minister, called for constructive criticism and support from all Nigerians for a successful gas revolution in the country.