Tony Okoh|
The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has described officials and members of the Transformation Initiative for the Empowerment of Ibom People (TIEIP) as reliable partners in his efforts to build the state and make it an investor’s paradise.
The governor represented by his deputy, Mr Moses Ekpo who stated this at the inauguration of National and Chapter Executive Committees of Transformation Initiative for the Empowerment of Ibom People (TIEIP) yesterday in Uyo urged them to ensure that all their members are registered with INEC and armed with their PVC in readiness for the 2019 election.
He pledged his readiness to carry every segment of the state along in his administration in the spirit of his political inclusion agenda and assured members of Transformation Initiative for the Empowerment of Ibom People of his desire to continue to positively affect their lives owing to their commitment to the success of his administration.
Hon Akparawa Ephraim Inyang-eyen, Chairman BOT TIEP at the event
On his own Akparawa Ephraim Inyang-eyen, Chairman Board of Trustees of TIEIP in his welcome address described the group as the engine room that saw to the emergence of the governor in 2015 owing to his rare qualities as a transparent and God-fearing leader.
According to him, “I’m here to tell everyone that Transformation Initiative for the Empowerment of Ibom People formed in 2013 participated fully in the coming into being of this present administration. When we started in 2013 we were not given a chance because we were considered novices in the political scene of this State. But we kept the faith, campaigned widely for a largely unknown Udom Emmanuel and saw to his emergence. We gave the promise that Udom will work for the good of Akwa Ibom people and people will agree with me that he has done so. Our assignment today is to increase the capacity of our working team and I assure you that everyone to be inaugurated today was thoroughly interviewed and confirmed to be ready and willing to run with this vision”
The group at the event inaugurated a 21- man National Executive Committee to run its affairs with Atuekong Anietie Ekong as the National Chairman. Ekong takes over from Obong Essien Esema who is now the Deputy Chairman, Board of Trustees.
The event which attracted a mammoth crowd at Ibom Hall also witnessed the inauguration of Chapter Executives in all the 31 local government areas of the State and five Diasporan chapters totalling 36.
A new Board of Trustees headed by the Commissioner for Works, Akparawa Ephraim Inyang-eyen was also sworn-in. The Board of Trustees has 10 members.
Select members of TIEPreceiving car gifts from BOT chairman
Otuekong Anietie Ekong the new National Chairman said in his remarks,”It is an open secret that Governor Udom Emmanuel has done exceedingly well. His performance has humbled his enemies if any. We pledge our readiness to partner the Peoples Democratic Party in the implementation of the party’s manifestoes. Age is on my side and we promise to give our best to the people of Akwa Ibom State.”
The event also witnessed the donation of vehicles as gifts to members who were adjudged to have served the organisation diligently.
Obong Essien Esema who was among the six beneficiaries expressed appreciation stating that it is not the vehicle but the acknowledgment of his modest contribution which the BOT Chairman had earlier noted.
Mrs Cecilia Obot, a former Chapter Chairman of Transformation Initiative in Essien Udim and now National Woman Leader could not hold back tears of joy as she proudly flaunted the key of a Toyota Corolla which was given to her in appreciation of her diligent service to the group.