OBONG NSIMA EKERES TRIUMPHANT HOME-COMING By Idongesit Alfred It was a day to remember, August 8, 2014. The immediate past Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State and leading governorship aspirant in the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Sir Nsima Ekere KJW, stormed his hometown of Ikot Abasi people, for a consultation visit. It turned out to be a heros welcome for their illustrious son. On ground to receive Obong Ekere was a tumultuous crowd. The welcome into Ikot Abasi by ecstatic palm frond-wielding youths and balloon-throwing maidens was indeed a spectacle to behold. It was reminiscent of the scene of a grateful people receiving their victorious General who is returning from battle. Ekere scored that distinction of being a prophet honoured by his people. The Paramount Ruler of Ikot Abasi, H.R.M. Edidem Udo Joe Ntuk Obom, affirmed that, Mr. Ekere was a son he was well pleased, setting the tone, by declaring that he was looking forward to celebrating his son’s(Nsima Ekere) success at the polls. The Royal father was not alone in the shower of encomiums and goodwill for Ekere. There were other men of great reputation who also graced the occasion to lend their support. In his remarks, the Member representing Ikot Abasi State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon, Aboh Uduyok, declared his support for Mr. Ekere and commended him on his plan for human development after Governor Akpabio’s infrastructural development. The Assemblyman said that Mr. Ekere’s victory in the governorship race was certain and charged his people of Ikot Abasi to rally round and support him. Hon. Uduyok, expressed happiness that the former Deputy Governor was back for the good of Akwa Ibom people. He expressed confidence that, Sir Ekere is equipped, tested and trusted to deliver the goods for the good people of Akwa Ibom and commended the unprecedented home support he witnessed at the event. On his part, a former State Deputy Chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Engr. Johnson Essien Ibok, commended Ikot Abasi people for realizing that Mr. Ekere was the answer to the challenges facing the state in 2015. He said he has no doubt whatsoever, that, Obong Ekere remains the perfect answer to the myriad of challenges that still stare Akwa Ibom in the face, especially on the issue of transition from the revolutionary Akpabio era into the next phase of the States evolution. Engr. Ibok who hails from Ikot Ekpene Local Government area described as glowing, Ekeres credentials as a very successful businessman and an experienced administrator. Eulogizing Ekere as a humble and listening politician who believed in the power of the grassroots, Engr. Ibok charged the people to root for him. The same testimony he gave about Ekere, to a group of former Councillors from Essien Udim led by Chief Ezekiel Etim when they paid him a courtesy call earlier at Ikot Ekpene. Engr. Ibok advised the people not to toy with, but safeguard their future for the next eight years in the hands of Ekere who will serve them selflessly and diligently with dedication and focus. While making his remark, the Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Akwa Ibom Consolidation Project (AKCP), Engr. Joseph Effiong, said, from the field observation of the group, it was clear that Mr. Ekere enjoyed the massive support of Akwa Ibom people and urged Ikot Abasi people to remain united in supporting their son. Charity begins at home he reminded the multitude of supporters who thronged the event to have a view of their illustrious son. Also speaking, Chairman of Ikot Abasi PDP Elders’ Forum, Obong Obot Etukafia, described Mr. Ekere as a well-known personality and lauded him for starting his governorship bid with prayers. Others who spoke at the occasion were Mr. Mathias Idiong, for elders, Princess Ekaette Umana, for women, and Mr. Mfon Umana, for youths. In unanimous vite of confidence, they all hailed Mr. Ekere as the answer Akwa Ibom people are yearning for and the best governorship material, pledging to stand by him. The immediate past Deputy Governor, who analysts and political observers rate as topping opinion polls and public perception charts as the most favoured governorship aspirant in the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Ekere, while responding to the outpour of goodwill and support, promised to institute a welfare scheme for the elderly in the state as part of his people’s development programme if elected Governor next year. Mr. Ekere explained that such a scheme, which would be patterned after what obtained in the Western World, would take care of elders of 65 years of age and above. He disclosed that he was also planning to develop world-class human capital in the state to build on the world-class infrastructure put in place by Governor Godswill Akpabio. To this end, Mr. Ekere stated that he had already fashioned out an industrialization blueprint for the state. Ekere was quoted as saying, “We have built the infrastructure, Now is the time to build our people.” He revealed that he had consulted far and wide in the last one year on the possibility of running for Governor and that the outcome of the consultations was positive but explained that he has not commenced campaign since the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was yet to lift ban on campaign which power was invested in it by the Electoral Law. The former Deputy Governor thanked the stakeholders of Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency for adopting him as their sole candidate in January, this year, and pledged to do them proud. The governorship hopefuls consultation and the positive reactions that trail it are indications, Ekere is surely coasting home to victory come 2015. Merely culled from the web
Posted on: Tue, 19 Aug 2014 20:00:39 +0000
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