By Honesty Victor
Etim Ekpo Local Government Area was abuzz on February 19, 2026, as indigenes and political stakeholders in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area gathered in large numbers at the Council Headquarters at Utu Etim Ekpo to witness the inauguration of the coordinating committee of the socio-political organisation, the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative.
The inauguration which was attended by members of the group led by President General, Engr Uwem Okoko took place at the Council Multipurpose Hall.
Engr. Okoko described the group as symbolic in Akwa Ibom State noting that the movement was the first of its kind and a defining moment for political unity in Akwa Ibom State.
According to him, the emergence of ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative signifies stability, readiness, and victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 polls.
“With this group, Akwa Ibom State is safe and ready for the elections. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno will be returned to their offices”, Okoko said.
He expressed confidence that Akwa Ibom State would record unprecedented electoral outcomes for the APC.
“With this group, Akwa Ibom State return President Bola Tinubu with massive votes. Akwa Ibom State will overwhelmingly re-elect Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno.
“What Governor Umo Eno has done in bringing us together is divine, ordained, and guarantees a brighter future for Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria”, he added.
In his acceptance remark, the newly inaugurated Coordinator of the group in Etim Ekpo, Hon. Imaeyen Adolphus promised to work with members of his committee in order to deliver on set goals.
Other members of the inaugurated EXCO include Ntiedo George, Ime Umotong, Nnamke Ekekeh, Ekemini Raymond, Item Ebebe, Ifiok Amos, Emem Monday, Oliver Idio, Goodnews Obadiah, Seno Etuk, Uwem Out, Inemesit Okoko, among others.
Also inaugurated was an Advisory Committee led by the Council Chairman, Hon. Gideon Uwah.
Setting the tone for the event, International Coordinator of the group, Sir Udo Kieran Akpan described the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative as the number one political structure in the state, reflecting the unity and collective strength of the Akwa Ibom people under the APC. He maintained that the group is composed of every major political titan in Akwa Ibom State, united by a common purpose.
Earlier, the Chairman of Etim Ekpo, Hon. Gideon Uwah while welcoming the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative team to the area assured that Etim Ekpo is united in one voice for President Tinubu, Senate President Akpabio and Governor Eno, promising to walk the talk in 2027.
In their separate goodwill messages, DIG Udom Ekpoudom, Emmanuel Enoidem(SAN), and Akwa Ibom APC Woman Leader Obonganwan Obonodo Uko assured of their unity in purpose in building a peaceful and united Etim Ekpo where development would thrive, reaffirming their faith in the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative.
The event, attracted members of the political class, members of the state executive council, political appointees of the Governor, traditional rulers, women, youths and other stakeholders in Etim Ekpo and the state.
