Following the expiration of Mr. Paul Hillary’s led Executive Committee of Akwa United Football Supporters Club, the Executive Committee has been dissolved by the Congress while an Electoral Committee has been set up to conduct elections that will usher in new Executive members that will pilot the affairs of the body in the next three years.
The Electoral Committee is led by Prince Imaikop Sunday as Chairman and Elder Robinson Inyang as the Secretary while Mr. Enefiok Udoh and Elder Effiong James will serve as members.
The Electoral Committee Chairman Prince Imaikop Sunday who led other members of the committee on a courtesy visit on the Chairman of Akwa United Elder Paul Bassey in Uyo disclosed that plans and modalities have been put in place for a free, fair and peaceful elections on August 27.
Prince Imaikop noted that the essence of the visit was to officially intimate the Club’s hierarchy about the upcoming elections and to solicit for support to ensure smooth and successful conduct of the elections.
“We are here as the Electoral Committee of Akwa United’s supporters club to officially notify the chairman and management of our darling team that the tenure of the former executive has expired and that an Electoral Committee has been set up to conduct elections that will usher in a new administration.
“Sir, after the constitution of the electoral committee, we have started work and have fixed August 27 as the date for the elections. At the moment, we need all the support we can get from the team and from all stakeholders to ensure we conduct elections that everyone will be proud of.
Prince Imaikop used that occasion to congratulate the team for her fighting spirit and determination in overcoming what was a turbulent and challenging season in the club’s history in recent years and thanked the team for retaining its place in the Nigeria Premier Football League for the 2024-25 season.
Prince Imaikop explained that the supporters club was impressed with the Management’s determination and dedication towards ensuring that the Promise Keepers maintain their NPFL status despite the challenges and difficulties the team encountered in the just concluded season.
“We, the supporters club, are celebrating our team’s survival because we know what it means to be relegated to the lower division. Many people won’t understand what this club went through last football season because since you (Elder Paul Bassey) came on board as the chairman of this club, we have been so used to success and that is why last season was strange to us.
“The Management of this club deserves our appreciation because of the commitment and effort they put in to ensure the club did not disappoint its sponsors, partners, numerous fans and supporters in the just concluded season.
In his response, the chairman of the club Elder Paul Bassey expressed appreciation to members of the supporters club for always standing by the club at all times. He pointed out that the massive support, encouragement and prayers of the supporters club was instrumental to the team’s strong finish to the season which ensured their survival. He also promised the club’s continued support to the supporters club.
“I want to specifically thank all members of the supporters club for the massive support we have enjoyed from the beginning to the end of last season. We are grateful for always having you turned up to cheer our team both during home and in some away matches.
“Last season was tough and challenging, things didn’t go according to our plan but we are grateful to God for hearing and answering your prayers and for the wonderful support you gave us. Trust me when I say that your support and encouragement went a long way in strengthening us to overcome what was a difficult season we have experienced in the last eight years.
“Let me use this opportunity to assure the supporters club and everyone associated with our darling team that such a terrible experience will never repeat itself as we are currently working to ensure we build a formidable team that will challenge for honours as we have done many times in the past. Keep supporting us and by the grace of God, we will take our club to an enviable height”.
Akwa United ended the 2023-24 NPFL season in 16th position, one place and three points above the drop zone. The team is currently on end-of-season break and will soon resume preparations for the new football season.