UKALU Delegation Visits Akpanke
A delegation from Ukpe, Alege and Ubang (UKALU), a political bloc in UTUKALU in Obudu local government area of Cross River State has paid a courtesy call on the member representing Obudu/Bekwerra/Obanliku federal constituency, Hon. Peter Akpanke.
The delegation, led by Hon. Tony Adah also included Hon. Peter Okaba, Mr. Dan Oti and Mr. Sunday Agabi. Mr. Rufus Awu and Dr. Inyali Peter from Utugwang, the other half of UKALU that makes up UTUKALU accompanied them in the visit.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Hon. Okaba said that the UKALU nay UTUKALU bloc in Obudu were happy to identify with the lawmaker because of his outstanding representation since assuming office.
He said the purpose of the visit was to formally invite him for a Thanksgiving Reception Ceremony the UKALU communities are organising in honour of the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh and his Special Assistant (Administration), Dr. Richard Orim.
Okaba who presented the lawmaker with a formal invitation for the event said that "the entire UTUKALU and particularly UKALU feel marginalised politically. This is why we always celebrate whoever identifies with us or any position we get. It is for this reason that we're organising a dual function; to thank the Honourable Minister of Sports Development for finding our son, Dr. Richard Orim worthy to work with him in such a huge capacity and to formally receive our son and tell him that we're proud of him.
We're not just here on our own. The council of Chiefs and Traditional rulers of the three communities that make up the UKALU sent us on this errand. They said because you're representing them well, we should also extend an invitation to you to come and grace the occasion"
Reacting, the legislator thanked the delegation for coming and assured that he will not only attend the function but will support in any capacity he can to make it a huge success.
He said that "it is good that you people are identifying with and celebrating your son and his principal. The Honourable Minister is a good man. If you check through the 2024 budget you'll see what we've been able to put in the budget of Ministry of Sports for our constituency and that was made possible through the Minister.
He advised Orim that, "now that your people are celebrating you, don't begin to behave like some people that got into power and started feeling like they're bigger than everybody and are shutting down opportunities for others to grow from your axis. Like Hon. Okaba has said, you're from a marginalised bloc. As you're working with the Minister now, when opportunities for jobs, empowerment, etc come, push them to your people because charity begins at home.
Don't begin to see yourself to be bigger than your people. Relate with them; it'll be our joy to see that you use sports which is the number one uniting factor to develop your area. We'll be happy to see that before the end of your tenure, we'll have a mini-stadium where we can be using to host different sporting events even after you leave office.
For the invitation, I'll not only be coming as your MP but as a son of the soil because we're all sons and daughters of Agba. We're from one ancestral lineage therefore, we must support ourselves to grow ".
