In a landmark ceremony that signals a new chapter of democratic consolidation and grassroots political mobilisation, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Akamkpa Chapter formally inaugurated Ward Executives across all ten wards of Akamkpa Local Government Area on Friday, 13th March 2026. The event, held at the prestigious Council Hall of Akamkpa Local Government Council, drew a distinguished gathering of party stakeholders, elected officials, community leaders, and party faithful, united in purpose and resolve.
A Ceremony Rooted in Leadership and Responsibility:
Presiding over the occasion, were the Chapter Chairman, Hon. Fidelis Awor Enok and the leader of the party in the Chapter, the Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Council, Hon. (Ophot) Felix Akposi KSJI.
The Chairman of Council set an unmistakably purposeful tone from the outset. Acknowledging the significance of the moment, he extended gratitude to all attendees and underscored the weight of leadership as a duty of service rather than privilege. With candour and vision, he called on the freshly inaugurated Ward Executives to be deliberate architects of unity within their respective wards.
“Don’t allow division to define you even though you are all products of the various leaders in the wards. Be defined as a builder, a bridge to link and heal every wound,” Akposi charged, his words resonating with the party’s broader aspiration for a cohesive and formidable political structure ahead of future electoral contests.
Akposi was emphatic about the non-factional character of the current leadership, drawing attention to the shared vision between himself and the Chapter Chairman, Hon. Fidelis Awor Enok. “Just as I am not a product of any faction, the Chapter Chairman, Hon. Fidelis Awor Enok, is not a product of any faction. It will be easy to work seamlessly with him,” he affirmed. He concluded his address with a clarion call for synergy with all stakeholders in driving the developmental vision of the Governor of Cross River State, emphasising the remarkable strides already recorded in Akamkpa Local Government Area. “This is a period of reformation, rejuvenation and consolidation,” Akposi declared.
Chapter Chairman Pledges Transparent, People-Centred Administration:
Chapter Chairman Hon. Fidelis Awor Enok delivered a compelling address that drew sustained applause from the packed hall. Articulating his philosophy of inclusive party governance, he assured all present of a principled and people-oriented administration. “Our policy is people-oriented because it is people that make up the party. And in this business, everyone matters no matter your position and standing. We will operate in openness, transparency, equity, fairness, and with listening ears,” he declared.
Enok further challenged the newly sworn-in Ward Chairmen to mirror this ethos in their respective wards, urging them to rise above sentiments and divisions, and to serve as true custodians of the party’s values at the grassroots level.
Distinguished Voices Sound a Common Chord: Unity, Humility, and Service;
The occasion was graced by a roll call of prominent figures whose contributions enriched the ceremony with experience and gravitas. The Members representing Akamkpa State Constituencies 1 and 2 — Hon. (Ntufam) Okon Owuna and Rt. Hon. Linus Etim — alongside the former Deputy Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly and immediate past Commissioner in the Senator Ben Ayade-led administration, Ntufam Rt. Hon. Itaya Nyong, each took to the podium to offer wisdom drawn from years of political engagement.
Their counsel converged on a singular message: the offices the Ward Executives now hold are powerful incubators of political destiny. They urged the new executives to shun factionalism and political rascality, emphasising that humility and transparency are non-negotiable virtues for those who aspire to grow politically. Each speaker stressed that their new-found positions are stepping stones to greater heights, provided they are handled with diligence, decorum, and doggedness.
Oath of Office Administered; Constitution Presented:
The high point of the ceremony was the solemn administration of the Oath of Office and Allegiance to the ten Ward Chairmen, conducted by Barr. Goodness Paul Ogar, who served as Commissioner for Oath for the occasion. The gravity of the moment was palpable as each Chairman stepped forward to formally assume the mantle of leadership.
In a commendable gesture that underscored the importance of party ideology and constitutional governance, Hon. Christopher Edet, the Councillor representing Mbarakom Ward, presented copies of the All Progressives Congress Constitution to the Chapter Chairman and Secretary, while also extending the gesture to his own ward, a symbolic and practical reinforcement of rule-bound party administration.
Ward Chairmen Pledge Unity and Electoral Success:
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues in an acceptance address that was warmly received, Mr. Jeremiah Ayamba, the Ward Chairman of Awi Ward, struck a conciliatory and forward-looking tone. He expressed sincere gratitude to the party, the Governor, and all stakeholders whose guidance and support made the exercise possible. “Our emergence is not to cause chaos in the party, but to unite all and work for the success of the party in the forthcoming elections and other future elections,” Ayamba assured the gathering, a declaration met with broad applause.
Party Leadership and Faithfuls Commend Governor Otu’s Exemplary Leadership:
In a moment of collective appreciation that resonated deeply with all present, the Chairman of Akamkpa Local Government Council, Hon. (Ophot) Felix Akposi KSJI, the elders, and party faithful across Akamkpa formally expressed profound gratitude to His Excellency, Senator Apostle Dr. Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State, for the exemplary leadership he has demonstrated in shepherding the APC through a historic and peaceful cycle of Ward, Chapter, and State Congresses.
The successful and orderly conduct of these congresses across the state was widely acknowledged as a direct reflection of Governor Otu’s commitment to internal democracy, party cohesion, and inclusive governance. Stakeholders noted that his approach has fostered a party environment where merit, dialogue, and peaceful resolution are elevated above rancour and division, a legacy that is already bearing fruit in the renewed energy and sense of purpose evident in grassroots structures such as Akamkpa’s newly constituted Ward Executives.
The following party stalwarts were sworn in as Ward Chairmen to lead their respective wards:
Francis Maurice — Uyanga Ward
Jeremiah Ayamba — Awi Ward
Kelvin Agboche — Akamkpa Urban Ward
Oyak Williams Eworo — Iko Ward
Richard Nyong Itaya — Mbarakom Ward
Henry Bassey — Ojuk South Ward
Effim Charles Agbor — Ojuk North Ward
Itakasai Itomin — Oban Ward
Hon. Itakui Abang — Eku Ward
Nkibong Bassey — Ikpai Ward
The inauguration of Ward Executives across all ten wards marks a significant stride in the APC’s organisational consolidation in Akamkpa Local Government Area. As the party prepares for the challenges and opportunities of forthcoming electoral contests, the message from the Council Hall on Friday was unambiguous: the APC in Akamkpa is unified, purposeful, and poised for impact.
Photo News
