By Ife Osemedua
365Daily – A frontline governorship aspirant in the coming 2023 election in Akwa Ibom state, Senator Bassey Albert Akpan, has made it emphatically clear that he is going ahead with his quest to lead the state as governor, in spite of the recent endorsement of another aspirant by the state governor, Udum Emmanuel.
In furtherance of this resolve, Senator Albert, popularly known as OBA, has appointed a prominent journalist, Chief Usoro I. Usoro, PhD, as the official spokesman of his campaign organisation, code names, Akwa Ubok Abasi Campaign Organisation.
Coming on the heels of the controversial unavailing of a successor choice by Governor Emmanuel, who is also from the same Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as OBA, Senator Albert appears to be telling the Governor and other PDP faithful that he is ready for the game.
OBA, a household name in Akwa Ibom political arena, is considered an authentic grassroots politician with remarkable street credibility.
A release signed by the chairman of the organisation, Arch Bishop Andrew Unwanta, said the need for an official spokesman followed the astronomical growth of the team and the seriousness of its operations.
Dr. Usoro joins the team with a wealth of experience both in politics and media practice.
A core media professional, Usoro was the pioneer Chief Press Secretary to former Governor Godswill Akpabio and later his Senior Special Assistant on Media.
Before joining Akpabio’s campaign team in 2007, Usoro was an editor with the Sun Newspaper in Lagos, where he held a popular weekly column, “The Reality”, in the Saturday Sun.
He was also, at various times, the Features Editor, Sunday Times (1998); Deputy Editor, Sunday Times (2000); Assistant Editor, Post Express(2001); Acting Editor, Sunday Post Express, etc.
Usoro has a Diploma in Journalism, BA, in Philosophy from the University of Lagos; as well as MA and PhD all in Philosophy from the University of Uyo.
According to the statement, “In politics, both in 2007 and 2011, he served as the Secretary of the Media/ Publicity Sub-Committees of the Godswill Campaign Organisation. In 2010, he single-handedly initiated and facilitated a Youth Rally in Eket, for the validation of Governor Akpabio for second term.
“Usoro was the Chairman, Media/ Publicity sub-Committee, Eket LGA Campaign Council for Udom/ Moses ticket in 2015 and equally the Chairman, Media/Publicity sub-Committee, Divine Mandate Campaign Organisation, Eket Chapter, in 2018.
“Usoro has won several awards within and outside the media profession. He is a holder of three chieftaincy titles, including Mkpafagh Ekid.”