UYO SENATORIAL DISTRICT INDIGENE’S ASSOCIATION, USDIA, LAGOS, DEBUNKS RUMOR OF NON-EXISTENCE, LAMBAST PERPETRATORS

By Emmanuel Ukpong

The leadership of UYO Senatorial District Indigenes Association, USDIA, Lagos has debunked rumors making the rounds that the Senatorial District Community does not exist in Lagos.

This disclosure was made by the President General of USDIA, Chief Matthew UdohEyop during a press conference organized by the Association to put the record straight.

The President General had during the press briefing, which was held at Akiscom Plaza, Lagos displayed the Certificate of Registration issued to the USDIA by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to buttress the fact that they are a recognized entity and in operation, offering quality community service and leadership to the good people of Uyo Senatorial District in Lagos.
He disclosed that one Otuekong Ubong Jackson Essien in cohort with Akparawa Uwem Idaha had gone to town with false alarm and with the impression that Uyo Senatorial District Indigenes Association doesn’t exist in Lagos, claiming it is Akwa Ibom North East Consultative Forum, AKNECF, Lagos, an organization he, (Otuekong) and others champion, is the recognized group.

Udoheyop stated that Otuekong Ubong Jackson has demonstrated divisive tendencies, orchestrating destruction, blackmail and impunity against indigenes of a peaceful community such as Uyo Senatorial District.
Chief Matthew Udoheyop said it is embarrassing for one to suggest that Uyo Senatorial District Indigenes Association, a Senatorial District that the current Gov. Umoh Eno hails from, and being one of the three Senatorial districts actively involved in community service and a stakeholder in Akwa Ibom State Community, AKISCOM , Lagos doesn’t exist in Lagos.
He wondered how a socio-cultural Association such as USDIA, with a desire for economic and welfare development of her people across board should be equated with a political group such as AKNECF that could fizzle out at any time soon.

The President General said that the press conference was intended to put the record straight and to inform His Excellency, Gov. Umoh Eno of their existence and to further assure the general public and the good Indigenes of the Senatorial District that the association is active and alive to its responsibility.

He described as unfortunate the stance of the current Akwa Ibom State Liaison Officer in Lagos, Mr. Samuel Asuquo, who, he described as aligning with and in support of their opposition, Akwa Ibom North East Consultative Forum, AKNECF, Lagos, against USDIA, the recognized Association in Lagos.

In his reaction, Chief (Dr) Edet Ambang, President of AKISCOM, Lagos showed solidarity with the leadership of USDIA led by Chief Matthew Udoheyop, describing the USDIA as a formidable force that have galvanized the people into an indivisible entity. He lauded their support to his leadership in AKISCOM which he described as impressive. He condemned the actions of detractors, which he said eas unpatriotic.
Chief Elijah Ifot, a former President of AKISCOM and a respected member of its Board Of Trustees, acknowledged the contributions of the association to human development, also advised the leadership of the Uyo Senatorial District Indigenes Association to do more in community service as he warned detractors to stir clear of maligning the good name of the group.

Others who spoke in solidarity and support of the legitimacy of the association included Sir Asuquo Inuikim, Elder Monday King, Elder Edoho Ukwa, Akparawa Cletus Eyoh, Obonganwan Elizabeth Udoheyop, Akparawa Gospel Etim, Pastor Gabriel Moses Bassey, amongst others, as they commended Chief Matthew Udoheyop for being proactive and advised him to continue in the good work his administration is doing for the indigenes of Uyo Senatorial District in Lagos.

They condemned the attitude of the detractors, describing their futile attempt to discredit the group as an effort in futility.
They enjoined Uyo Senatorial District Indigenes Association to rally support for the leadership so that they can benefit more.

It is interesting to note that USDIA, Lagos was established thirteen years ago as a socio-cultural, economic and welfare development group, which over the years have been able to unite, improve the welfare of its members and non-members alike.
They are made up of members from Uyo, Uruan, Ibiono Ibom, Ibesikpo/Asutan , Nsit Ubium, Nsit Ibom, Nsit Atai, Etinan and Itu Local Government Areas that make up the Senatorial District. The association is an active member of AKISCOM Lagos, contributing immensely to the growth of the state community.

Under the leadership of Chief Matthew Udoheyop, there has been an increased indigenes’ engagement and participation in USDIA, thereby contributing to the Association global acclaim and visibility.

The press conference was attended by Executive members of USDIA, AKISCOM and its BOT members and prominent Sons and Daughters of Uyo Senatorial District Indigenes’ Association.

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From Left: Pastor Gabriel Moses Bassey, Prince Okon Edet, Obonganwan Elizabeth Udoheyop, Elder Edohoukwa, Chief Edet Ambang, Chief Matthew Udoheyop, Chief Elijah Ifot during the Press Conference organized by Uyo Senatorial District Indigene’s Association, in Lagos.