… stakeholders call for unity
By Nelson Utip
The Association of Nigerian Authors, Akwa Ibom State Chapter has elected officers to run it’s affairs for the next two years, the exercise was conducted under the watchful eyes of Professor Joseph Ushie, a member of the Board of Trustees of the noble association and a Fellow of the organization as a representative of The National body of The Association.Other stakeholders who supervised the election include Dr. Martin Akpan, Dr. Ofonime Inyang, Dr. Nestor Udoh among others.
The Electoral Committee was headed by Professor Daniel Udoh, The Provost of The Akwa Ibom State College of Education, Afaha Nsit, with Dr. Susan Udoka of The Department of English, Akwa Ibom State University as a member.
Before the election, the stakeholders took their turn to preach unity and togetherness among members, they emphasized on continuing on the indelible marks left by our heroes past.
The following accredited members were elected into the Executive Council;
- Mr. Akan Essien – Chairman
- Mr. Michael Andem- Vice Chairman
- Mr. Thomas Thomas – Secretary
- Dr. Jacinta Nkeiruka- Assistant Secretary
- Akparawa Nelson Utip – Public Relations Officer
- Mrs. Emem Bassey- Treasurer
- Miss Msendoo Tarta- Financial Secretary.
In his acceptance speech The Chairman elect, Akan Essien thanked the stakeholders for facilitating such a free and fair election, he pledged to run an open door administration open to advice from all . Mr. Essien said that his Executive Council will hit the ground running, calling for cooperation among members. He further promised to take the writing culture to the grassroot so as to create a new breed of writers in the state and beyond.
Stakeholders present expressed their happiness for the transparency of the process, they admonished the EXCO to always subject themselves to constructive criticism. They wished the new EXCO Gods guidance and wisdom to pilot the affairs of the noble association.
