2015 Guber Race: Group endorses Senator Helen Esuene

As consultations and permutation for Governor Godswill Akpabio’s successor hots up, a socio-political group known as “Ibom Joint Leadership Forum for Good Governance” has endorsed Senator Helen Esuene for the Hilltop Mansion come 2015.

The group made their position known to newsmen on Wednesday in Uyo during a plenary Session held at Dunhill Hotel.

In a communiqué signed by Hon. Unanaifonke Udom, Co-ordinator, Barrister Emmanuel Ifiok, Secretary and Mr. Bassey Ndayo, Media Director, the group said that having taken a critical look at the political terrain of Akwa Ibom State ahead of 2015 general elections, “Senator Esuene holds the key to unlock the much needed industrial revolution and greatness of the State”.

The group averred that as a onetime first lady, a one time member of the Political Reform Conference, Minister of State for Health, Minister of Environment, Lands and Housing and currently a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Esuene has the credibility, experience and blue print to move the State to its destination if elected as Governor.

The group which is made up of mostly former political office holders, top P.D.P Chieftains and youth leaders condemned in strong terms the insinuation in some quarters that a woman cannot govern Akwa Ibom State, describing it as a myopic view of selfish people with rustic intelligence.

“Governance is not a gender issue. It is all about performance and result. The state needs an administrator who will consolidate on Governor Akpabio’s uncommon transformation. Senator Esuene holds the key to unlock the much needed industrial revolution and greatness of Akwa Ibom State”, the communiqué read.
The Forum called on Akwa Ibom People both at home and in the Diaspora to support the aspiration of the distinguished Senator as it is born out of a true desire to serve the state selflessly, adding that the Senator Possesses an economic blue print that will create massive employment and make the state an economic hop in Nigeria.

Speaking separately, Barrister Emmanuel Ifiok, Secretary of the group said Governor Godswill Akpabio has created a benchmark which can only be sustained and improved upon by someone who knows the road to “our destination”, adding that of all those jostling to be governor of the state, Senator Helen Esuene has the overall qualification in terms of pure willingness to serve and being a detribalized leader, she will untie the state into a haven of brotherly love.

Ifiok said, “Akwa Ibom State has of recent witnessed ethnic polarization as a result of political acrimony from some selfish individuals. It should not be so if we must forge ahead as a people”.