Elder statesmen and major chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State have commended President Mahammadu Buhari for appointing the APC leader in the state and the party’s Governorship candidate in the 2015 general election, Obong Umana Umana as the Managing Director of Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority of Nigeria.
In their separate reactions to the confirmation of the appointment by the President, the elders congratulated Obong Umana on the appointment, describing it as well deserved.
Speaking on the matter, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang in a statement signed by his media aide, Mr Essien Inyang, described the appointment of Umana as a square peg in a square hole.
He said: “Umana’s appointment by Mr President can be described as fixing a square peg in a square hole. I believe he will bring his experiences in the civil and public service to bear thus re positioning the downstream sector to better the lots of Nigerians. Congratulations to him and the people of Akwa Ibom State, better days are ahead.”
Reacting to the appointment, a former Minister of Petroleum and chieftain of the party, Atuekong Don Etiebet, described Umana as a dear friend, a committed fighter for justice and fair play in politics.
Hear him: “I pray the almighty God to guide him and to bless him with all the wisdom and strength to go there as the astute administrator he is to change the place around for the good of the community and Nigeria.
“I thanked Mr President for the excellent choice of Obong Umana Okon Umana as the MD/CEO of the Oil & Gas Free Zone Authority and assure him that Obong Umana will certainly deliver on his promises to the people and make him proud. I join all of you, the good people of Akwa Ibom State in celebration for the appointment as we have two solid MDs/CEOs now in Obong Umana Okon Umana and Obong Nsima Ekere of the NDDC.”
In her goodwill message, a former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Obongawan Rita Akpan, thanked Mr President for the appointment, describing the President’s gesture as commendable.
Hear her: “Obong Umana is a top of the range. His competence, integrity, and total commitment to what and whoever he believes in is never in doubt. He believes in you Mr President and as your number one agent of change in Akwa Ibom State, Obong Umana Umana will make you and the entire country proud. I thank you for the honour.”
Barring his mind on the development, a former State Chairman of the PDP and chieftain of the APC, Arc Otu Ita Toyo said there is no small or insignificant position.
He said: “Only people with big or small hearts. Every position has the potential to endow greatness. If a man with a small heart finds himself in a big office, chances are that he will reduce the significance of the office to match with his stature. On the other hand, even if a man with a big heart is presented with a small office, he will invariably expand the significance of that office to fit his large performance profile quoting the late business mogul, MKO Abiola.”
He submitted that now that the President has appointed Umana, the task ahead calls for work, dedication and service to achieve result for the development of the country and congratulated Obong Umana on his appointment.
Also speaking, the South South National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Ntufam Hilliard Eta, in a release signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Bassey Ita, on behalf of the Zonal Executive Committee and entire members of the party felicitates Obong Umana Okon Umana on his appointment as Managing Director of the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Authority by Mr. President.
He said: “Umana’s appointment is well deserved and further affirms the recognition of hardwork, excellence and meritorious services which are the hallmark of his personality. The South South would by this singular gesture build increasing confidence in the President to fix the country using men and women of proven integrity, capacity and sincerity.”
Ntufam Eta also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the appointment and urged the people of the region to support the ongoing effort of the Federal Government to repair the economy and win the war against terror and corruption.
On his part, Ben Ukpong who was Umana’s running mate in the 2015 Governorship election felicitates Obong Umana on his appointment, describing the appointment as meritorious.
In a statement he personally signed, Ukpong thanked President Mohammadu Buhari for appointing Umana as well as for previous appointments and others to come to Akwa Ibom people in the nearest future.
He said: “As the leader of our great party, APC in Akwa Ibom State, your appointment is what our teeming supporters have been waiting for. I therefore pray God to give you good health, strength and wisdom to carry out the assignment. As always, I pledge to remain loyal to you and Mr President as you lead our people”, the newly appointment board member of the National Population Commission submitted.
