Oron political bloc backs Tinubu, Akpabio, Eno for 2027, pushes for UMSO implementation

2026-03-23 - 14:53

By Egufe Yafugborhi Uyo – The Oron political bloc in Akwa Ibom State, representing the Oron/Mbo/Okobo/Udung Uko/Urueoffong-Oruko Federal Constituency, has thrown its support behind the reelection bids of President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno in the 2027 elections. The endorsement came during a meeting on Sunday in Uyo, where stakeholders also reaffirmed their demand for the federal government to implement the law transforming the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, into the University of Maritime Studies, Oron (UMSO). In a communique issued after the deliberations, the bloc commended Hon. Martins Esin, member representing Oron Federal Constituency, for his advocacy on human capital development, infrastructure projects, and advancing the UMSO agenda. “We note with satisfaction the representation by Hon. Martins Esin, particularly the motion he moved on September 26, 2024, advocating for commencement of academic activities at UMSO,” the statement read. It also praised Esin’s engagement with the Senate President and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy. The stakeholders criticized the continued budgetary allocation to the now-defunct MAN, calling it inconsistent with the law establishing UMSO. They urged the federal government to immediately constitute a Governing Council, appoint a Vice-Chancellor and principal officers, and commence academic activities at the university. The bloc further endorsed the reelection of local political figures, including Hon. Esin and Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor, Sen. Dr. Akon Eyakenyi. “We appeal to the Governor and the All Progressives Congress to retain Deputy Governor Eyakenyi for another term,” the communique concluded. Signatories to the communique included former Niger Delta Development Commission Administrator Effiong Akwa, Senator Nelson Efiong, Sir Esio Oquong Udoh, and Chief Peter Linus Umoh, former Secretary to the State Government.