TheHILL | POLITICS | AUG. 6
As earlier reported by TheHILL, Governorship Candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Akwa Ibom State chapter, Senator Bassey Albert Akpan, has unveiled AIG Anwana Asuquo Amba, as his running mate for next year’s election.
The colourful ceremony held Friday at the Party’s secretariat on Edet Akpan Avenue, Uyo.
AIG Asuquo who hails from Urrue/Offong Oruko local government area of the state joins the OBA team with a large network of critical contacts as well as wealth of experience in security management, community service and peace-building.
The senator described his running mate as a true Akwa Ibomite, who has served the nation meritoriously with uncontroversial credentials, before retiring as Assistant Inspector General of Police.
He said Akwa Ibom is too critical and too strategic a state to be left in the hands of incompetent persons, assuring that “help is on the way” through their candidacy.
”The power to elect the next governor is in the hands of Akwa Ibom people. That is why our party, the YPP, came up with the slogan ‘the ballot revolution’”, he added.
According to Senator Akpan, the mandate he shares with his running mate is anchored on the three “Rs” representing the Recovery of Akwa Ibom; Reconciliation of the state to God and Repositioning of the state for greatness.
He assured the people that upon the foundation of YPP will the new Akwa Ibom be built because it believes in social justice, equity and selfless service to the people.
In his acceptance speech, AIG Asuquo Amba said he will work peacefully and assiduously to ensure success to the team and the party.
While pledging his loyalty to the party, governorship candidate and the masses of complete loyalty to the people, he added that he will work to stabilise the next government, which they will soon form after winning at the poll, next year.
Earlier, in an opening remark, the state chairman of YPP Apostle Nyeneime Andy, said the party will soon move into all the units in readiness to form the next government in the state.
He expressed happiness that just 24 hours after his party produced a candidate, a running mate has also emerged, saying that it is an indication that YPP is organised and principled.
Brief Profile of the Running Mate
AIG Amba (Rtd.) hails from Mbokpu Ukokai in Urue-Offong/Oruku Local Government Area and was born in 1961.
He obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1973 from Salvation Army School, Surulere, before proceeding to Comprehensive Secondary School, Oron, to obtain his West African Senior School Certificate in 1978.
He is a graduate of English from the University of Lagos (1984) and had a brief stint with Ibadan Polytechnic as a lecturer after his National Youth Service Corps – NYSC in 1985.
He joined the services of the Nigeria Police Force as Cadet ASP in 1986, where he rose through ranks as Commissioner of Police, Asst. Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, and Commissioner of Police at various times in the training department in force headquarters. He previously served as a Deputy Commissioner of Police, Anti Bomb unit; Deputy Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Police command; Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State; Commissioner of Police, Counter Terrorism Department; and Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State command.
Following 35 years of meritorious service to the nation, he retired from the police force as an Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in February 2021.
He has received several commendations and awards for his selfless service to his nation and humanity from organizations such as the United Nations and Rotary Club. He is Grand-member of the International Association of Commissioner of Police (IACP), USA.
His wealth of experience in peacekeeping missions in Liberia, East Timor and other locations globally will add tremendous value in our quest to enhance human, environmental and physical security for quantum development of the State.
AIG Amba (Rtd.) is married to Chief (Mrs.) Janet Amba and blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He enjoys playing golf and table tennis. He believes in development and politics without bitterness.
