…Urges them to Identify a Need in their Wards, LGA to Address when Elected
As the October 2024 Local Government elections in Akwa Ibom draw near, Dr. Eunice Thomas, has extended financial support to All Progressives Congress (APC) female candidates.
Eunice Thomas who sits as a Non-Executive Director on the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) board, is a former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare.
The support, aimed at facilitating the candidates’ participation in the elections, covers the cost of nomination forms required by the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC).
During a meeting held in Uyo on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, Dr. Thomas disclosed that she was throwing her weight behind APC female Chairmanship and Councillorship candidates across the State, to help offset the nomination fees.
According to the AKISIEC directive, female Chairmanship candidates are to pay N250,000, while Councillorship candidates must pay N125,000.
Dr. Thomas’s intervention specifically targeted all candidates from Ibeno Local Government Area, her hometown, and other APC female candidates across the state.
Speaking to the candidates, Dr. Thomas stressed her commitment to empowering women in politics and fostering their financial independence.
She noted that women should play more active roles in governance and politics and encouraged the candidates to identify key needs within their communities that they can address when elected.
“I came here today to appreciate your courage in contesting for office. I am here to campaign for you, strengthen you, and stand by you. With the support I’ve offered, you will have the funds to cover your AKISIEC fees. I urge you to connect with your communities and make a real impact when elected,” she stated.
She also applauded the women for stepping forward to contest and urged them to pray for the success of the APC in the State, as well as for President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and other party leaders.
Dr. Thomas advised the candidates not to be intimidated by the ruling party in the State but to work hard in mobilizing grassroots support for the APC, adding that the era of expecting political miracles is over and that success now depends on direct engagement and convincing outreach to voters.
While expressing confidence in the Tinubu government’s ability to alleviate economic challenges through people-centered policies, she highlight the potential benefits of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project for Akwa Ibom communities.
APC State Chairman, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, represented by his Deputy, Dr. David Umoessien, also addressed the gathering, urging party members to redouble their efforts ahead of the elections.
He noted that the APC’s current successes, including Akpabio’s emergence as Senate President and Dr. Thomas’s appointment to the NNPC board, were a result of strategic political alliances led by President Tinubu.
He further encouraged both male and female candidates to go into their communities and vigorously campaign for the party, ensuring that the APC remains a significant force in the State.
He warned that this election season would be different, with no party enjoying guaranteed dominance, and emphasized the need for focused local-level engagement.
Responding, some beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude to Dr. Thomas for her timely assistance.
They acknowledged that the support had come when they least expected it and expressed optimism that it would significantly enhance their chances in the elections.
The highlight of the meeting was the official presentation of financial support to all the candidates, who numbered over 50.
The meeting was attended by key APC figures, including the State Publicity Secretary, Barr. OtoAbasi Udo, Hon. Clement Awakessien, Mr. Samuel Thomas (Dr. Eunice’s husband), as well as other party executives and leaders.
