ADV Dumps Akpabio

Akwa Ibom Democratic Voice (ADV), a strong political group in support of the present administration's continuity has reversed and declared their support for Senator Akpanudoedehe's gubernatorial ambition come 2011.

The group, made the declaration Saturday, 17th April 2010 when the erstwhile governor of the state, Obong Victor Attah gave a public nod to Senator J. J. Akpanudoedehe's 2011 governorship bid.

One of the wings of the organization led the way in what Global Concord gathered was to be an en masse declaration for the opposition in a latter date.

The students' wing of the organization, led by its president, Comrade Daniel Asuquo said the decision to join the campaign trend of senator John Udoedehe publicly was in view of the general acceptance and support he (Sen Edehe) receives across the state. ADV students' wing that has since changed its name to Akwa Ibom Democratic Movement, ADM in its speech through Comrade Daniel Asuquo stated: “Today marks the end of sycophancy to the government that honours praise singers and fantasy promoters at the detriment of truth which is widely accepted as morally indispensable for sustainable human and infrastructural development. If this degree of sycophancy we are experiencing now in Akwa Ibom State existed during the military era, the military would have held unto the power till date, and the democracy enjoyed by those perpetuating sycophancy in the state would not have been possible. These sycophants do not proffer any useful advice to the government on the best approach towards alleviating the high rate of unemployment, poverty in the midst of plenty, curbing the outbreak of kidnappings and political assassinations, cultism, thuggery and other violent crimes that are inimical to the peace, unity and progress of the state. These social ills are harmful to our great state, hence, we must resist them.
“I have the mandate of over 20,000 graduates and undergraduate students of Akwa Ibom origin who were members of ADV-student wing worldwide spread across fifteen higher institutions and the 31 Local Government Areas of the state.

“On behalf of those who are here, those who are unavoidably absent because of their official national assignment with National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and would-be members of this group, I stand before you our fearless senator, the indefatigable leader, our governor come 2011 to denounce our membership of a sycophantic group that diminishes the power that is with the majority and to publicly declare our support and loyalty to the positive change come 2011 as championed by Senator John Udoedehe.

“For record purposes, we formed and funded the Federated Union of Akwa Ibom State Students in Politics (FEDUAIP) Worldwide in 2006).

“This student body was used to canvass support for Barr. Godswill Akpabio for Governor 2007. We worked tirelessly throughout the 2007 elections but when he eventually became the Executive Governor, sycophants around him never allowed him to empower his genuine supporters. He abandoned us. Our dreams were dashed and we were totally disillusioned. We soon picked up our bits and pieces and in 2009, the ADV-students wing was born

“ADV-students' wing became the engine room for active political participation.
“Our popularity is occasioned by our numerical strength as members spread through all the tertiary institutions within and outside the state”.

Going further, the former pro continuity group told the senator: “Today, Akwa Ibom Democratic Movement (ADM) is a dependent body predominantly dominated by men of proven integrity, graduates and professionals poised to assist you in actualizing your dreams for the people of Akwa Ibom-Abasi State and beyond.

“Our political future is threatened. In the past, democracy offered the majority their way while the minorities have their say. Today, the reverse is the case. We are no longer comfortable with military within a democracy hence our journey towards a better government.
“Our distinguished Senator, the touch bearer and messiah sent by God to deliver this generation from poverty, we salute your courage and other faithfuls for championing this noble course for the emancipation of Akwa Ibom State for better future. “You are not alone in this struggle. By this declaration, we have given you our mandate.

“Our group, Akwa Ibom Democratic Movement (ADM), a movement for positive change is for you. Silver and gold we have none to give to you, we implore you today to be strong and focused for the Almighty God is by your side.

“When you shall eventually be sworn-in on May 2011, I pray you remember those who stood by you during the trial period”, he concluded.