IKOT EKPENE SENATORIAL DISTRICT, EKET FED, CONST ADOPT UDOM AS SOLE CANDIDATE By Emmanuel Nicholas and Aniekeme Finbarr, Eket As the battle for the next occupier of the Hilltop mansion in Akwa Ibom state gets hotter, the political stakeholders and delegates in Ikot Ekpene senatorial district and Eket federal constituency have adopted former Executive Director of Zenith Bank, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel as the sole candidate in the November 29 primaries of the PDP. These positions were taken at different fora where the people met to chat a way forward on who succeeds Godswill Akpabio next year. EKET FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY ADOPT UDOM AS SOLE CANDIDATE The people of Eket Federal Constituency comprising Eket, Onna, Esit Eket and Ibeno local government areas defied the rains Tuesday afternoon and thronged the Eket Township stadium to honour Udom Emmanuel in a grand reception held to receive him. The chairman on the Occasion, Chief Nduese Essien in his opening remarks thanked the PDP leadership in the state led by Obong Paul Ekpo and Governor Akpabio for respecting the zoning policy of the party and zoned the governorship ticket to Eket senatorial district. Essien, a former house of representatives member said he has remained neutral as the Chairman of Eket senatorial district Elders Assembly, a body, he disclosed was formed to confront the insult on Eket senatorial district by some self- serving politicians in Uyo that the district lacked competent people to take over from Akpabio. The former federal minister noted that since the political consultation doors opened, he has been consulted by over twenty five aspirants from the senatorial district who are qualified and competent to seek the office of the governor. He said of those who have consulted him however, Emmanuel showed exceptional brilliance, intellect and competence that cannot be ignored. Essien , a member of the recently concluded national conference said having remained neutral for these number of months, it was time to make a decision on who was more qualified to succeed Akpabio, and after all due considerations from 18 Aspirants who had consulted him , the federal constituency came to the unanimous decision to adopt Udom Emmanuel as the sole candidate in the primaries and the forthcoming elections. As Udom is the best among his equals. EKET CHAIRMAN ANNOUNCES POSITION OF EKID NATION ON 2015 Chief Aniekan Akpan , the Chairman of Eket local Government who also doubled as the Chairman of the planning committee in his speech said “Let me commend our governor for believing in us. We are here gathered because we not only receive one of our own. But it is also pertinent for the entire state to know that the people of Eket Federal Constituency have an interest in the unfolding political events which is the 2015 governorship elections. We have a lot of aspirants in these four local governments and as a people we sat down. Since we have come to a conclusion and we have accepted the fact that the governorship seat of Akwa Ibom State is zoned to Eket Senatorial district and we couldn’t afford to present all the aspirants, we then had to comfortably sit back amongst ourselves to look at these aspirants and to know precisely who among these aspirants, we should put forward as our sole candidate. We have looked at so many parameters. We have also looked at the connections of the aspirants. We also looked at the competence and all other factors and most importantly, we decided to go for an aspirant who will continue from where Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio. We also intend to go for an aspirant who will not take us back. We also intend to go with an aspirant who will take the whole state as his constituency. We don’t want an aspirant that will take us back to the ethnic era. After a careful consideration of these parameters, the people of Eket, Esit Eket, Ibeno and Onna have decided to put forward Udom Gabriel Emmanuel as the consensus candidate. Let me use this opportunity to ask that if there is anybody from Eket, Esit Eket, Ibeno, Onna who is not in support of the position I have so presented. I give this opportunity to invite the person to express his opposition. Let me warn too that if nobody comes out to oppose the stand, then the person should forever remain silent on the matter”. EKET PRESENTS SWORD OF VICTORY TO UDOM The people of Eket Federal Constituency presented a sword of victory to Mr Udom Emmanuel. The presentation was done by the leader of Eket Federal Constituency, Chief Nduese Essien. Chief Essien said the sword of victory signifies strength and energy to conquer. He also encouraged him (Udom) to lead Akwa Ibom people in the path of righteousness and surpass the performance of Chief Godswill Akpabio. He also gave a plague of honour to the executive governor of Akwa Ibom State on his uncommon transformation of Akwa Ibom State. He thanked the governor for putting smiles on the faces of the people by delivering very life touching projects. The governor’s award was received by the deputy governor of Akwa Ibom, Her Honour Lady Valerie Ebe who represented the governor on the occasion. FORMER GOVERNOR SAYS UDOM IS THE BEST MATERIAL Former Governor of the state, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga encouraged the youths and women to participate actively in the political process. He debunked the notion that Udom Emmanuel did not enjoy the support of the elders from Uyo Senatorial District. We have seen a lot of literature today in the State aiming at blackmailing others, let us plant a tree and allow it to grow, we all should discontinue the destructive act of trying to cut down the growing tree. He also expressed his displeasure with politicians who use blackmail as a political weapon, warning that propaganda never wins a war. Nkanga noted that Udom Emmanuel has the requisite qualification, and practical experience to turn things around in Akwa Ibom state as Udom is a man in the mould of Clement Isong. He said from detailed examination, Udom Emmanuel is the best material for the governorship. IBOKESSIEN READS POSITION OF IKOT EKPENE SENATORIAL DISTRICT Member of the board of trustees of the Peoples Democratic (PDP) read the communique from the people of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District on 2015. He said the people of Ikot Ekpene senatorial district were happy with the National Chairman of the party, Dr M’uazu for the adoption of President Goodluck Jonathan as the sole candidate of the PDP. Ibokesssien, who is also a member of the national caucus of the party announced that the people of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District have also adopted Chief Godswill Akpabio as their sole candidate for the 2015 Senate race. Senator Ibokessien said the people of the district also agreed that they will unanimously support Mr Udom Emmanuel as their sole candidate, while they also pass a vote of confidence on the leadership Peoples Democratic Party Lead by Obong Paul Ekpo. SENATOR ANIETIE OKON CHARGES YOUTHS AGAINST SELF-ACCLAIMED ELDERS Senator Anietie Okon who spoke at the event expressed appreciation to the people of the federal constituency for taking the path of honour by adopting Emmanuel as the sole candidate in the election. Charging youths against the elders, he said “ reject the elders who don’t meet your expectations and follow leaders with a future like Godswill Akpabio and Udom Emmaniel. Okon stated that only Emmanuel’s leg properly fitted in to the 2015 shoe that Akpabio will soon leave behind, adding that he was confident that Emmanuel is the only aspirant that can take the state to the next level. He said since Eket federal constituency where Emmanuel comes from has adopted him with Ikot Ekpene senatorial district toeing the same path, he was hopeful that Uyo senatorial district will take a stand next week when Emmanuel would openly declare his intention to run for governorship of the state. UDOM THANKS EKET FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY FOR THE HONOUR We grew up to know that a leader is not celebrated in his home but today that logic has been defied, which means Eket Federal Constituency have recognised their own. On behalf of my family, I appreciated all local governments that make up Eket Federal Constituency for deeming it fit to celebrate with me now I’m in office. You all have trusted me today, I will not betray that trust. The youth, women and our elders have spoken in my support and I will not dash your hopes... Our uncommon governor Chief Dr Godswill Akpabio is steering the rare path of development in Africa. Today the world has come to witness his strides and have believed it. I won’t deviate from sustaining this glory he has brought to us all as a people but I will sustain it for posterity. ROYAL FATHERS BLESS UDOM The function was attended by more than 15 Paramount Rulers in Akwa Ibom State. Akwa Edidem Udo Ukpa , the Ntisong Ibibio and paramount Ruler of Onna spoke on behalf of all the royal fathers. The Royal Father said that Uyo Senatorial District had their slot in Obong Akpan Isemin and Obong Victor Attah , same for Ikot Ekpene Senatorial in Chief Dr Godswill Akpabio. He said it was simple logic to say it is the turn for Eket Senatorial District. I am happy that the political class have chosen by son to lead the State in person of Udom Emmanuel , he will not disgrace me nor the people who have chosen him, I hereby ask all to continue to support him till he is enthrone . As a father I bless him and no man can curse him Ukpa prayed. GOVERNORS WIFE ASSURES OF WOMENS SUPPORT The wife of the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Mrs Ekaette Onoma Akpabio admonished the women to be firm in their support for Mr Udom Emmanuel ‘’As mothers we should encourage our children to toe the path of liberation and sustainable development and to continuously archive this after the exit of my husband, Udom is the master key. women lets us support him, though we have all adopted him long ago, for as women saw Jesus first, the women of Akwa Ibom State were the first to see the abounding sterling qualities in Udom Emmanuel and we adopted him as our next governor. Unoma added. Others who spoke during the reception where Chief E E Eneyo from Oro nation , who admonished Udom not to betray the peoples trust. Also speaking, Chief Otu Robert reaffirmed the earlier announced stand of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District adopting Udom Emmanuel as their sole candidate. BEN UDOBIA BEGS AKPABIO TO RELEASE UDOM Statesman Elder Ben Udobia appealed to Governor Akpabio to release Udom to answer to the call to service from his compatriots, as time was fast spend. THOUSANDS OF SUPPORTERS GRACE UDOMS RECEPTION The mega event was attended by more than a thousand socio-political groups. It was colourful and spiced with traditional dances and music performances by renowned artistes. Aspiring politicians also seized the moment to showcase themselves ahead of the primaries.
Posted on: Wed, 15 Oct 2014 07:49:14 +0000
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