By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
The Authentic Forum of Village Council Chairmen and Secretaries, Ikot Ekpene Chapter, has announced plans to endorse Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, for a second term in office, citing his inclusive leadership style and commitment to peace and unity across the state.
The decision was disclosed on Monday, January 19, 2026, during a courtesy visit by members of the forum to the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources (Petroleum and Solid Minerals), Rt. Hon. Nsikak Ekong, in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.
According to the group, the formal endorsement will take place during their New Year Party and Stakeholders’ Event scheduled for January 31, 2026, where Governor Eno is also expected to be honoured with an Award for Good Governance.
The forum further announced plans to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, ahead of the 2027 general elections, in recognition of their leadership roles at the national level.
Other activities lined up for the event include the presentation of Awards of Excellence to deserving sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom State, the launch of the 2026 calendar, and the recognition of traditional rulers in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area for their contributions to peace, progress, and grassroots development.
Earlier, the delegation—led by Pastor Solomon Essiet, Chairman of Village Council Chairmen in Ikot Ekpene—had paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Hon. (Elder) Aniefiok Nkom, to formally inform him of the forthcoming event and seek his support in his capacity as Chief Security Officer of the local government.
Members of the forum also visited Hon. Jerry Hanson Otu, the lawmaker representing Ikot Ekpene/Obot Akara State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, to brief him on the programme.
In their separate remarks, Rt. Hon. Nsikak Ekong and Hon. Jerry Otu pledged their support for the initiative, commending the forum for promoting unity and collective development in Ikot Ekpene, in alignment with the vision of the local government leadership to position the area as a model of grassroots governance.
Responding on behalf of the association, the Chairman Emeritus and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Elder Uduak George, expressed appreciation to the leaders for their continued encouragement and support.
—Newspot Nigeria.
