2015 Guber: Ita Udoh consults Ibeno ... solicits for support

BY EMMANUEL AKPAN

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Pastor Ita Udoh has consulted principal stakeholders in Ibeno Local Government Area with a plead for them to support his aspiration as the next governor in 2015.

The consultation which took place at Ukpenekang, the residence of a PDP chieftain of the area, Chief Enyina Joshua Enyina, last Thursday, had in attendance the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chapter Chairman of Ibeno, principal stakeholders, women, past and present political office holders and the youths.

Addressing the people, Pastor Ita Udoh said his consultation was to officially inform stakeholders of the area of his aspiration to become the next governor of Akwa Ibom State in 2015 and to seek their support. He noted that his experience in the State executive for over four years places him in a better position to govern the State next year.

Pastor Udoh who was appointed into government as a Special Assistant to Governor Godswill Akpabio back in 2010 and later promoted to the Ministry of Youths and Sports as a Commissioner, maintained that he had prepared his mind over the years for the position he his vying for; adding that he is qualified to be next governor in all ramifications. 

Pastor Ita Udoh who stressed the need for the people of Ibeno Local Government Area to support his aspiration, further added that he is not being sponsored or compelled by anybody or group to contest the election, noting that entering the race has been his long-term plan.

According to him, “I came to tell Ibeno principal stakeholders that I am ready for the contest and to seek for their support, I am not being sponsored by anybody and compelled by any group to contest the governorship election. It has been my long term plan.”

For what he will do for the people of Ibeno, the Eket-born politician stated that when he becomes the governor of the State, his administration will partner the federal government to ensure the protection of the shore-lines so that the ocean does not encroach upon the land of Ibeno. He also added that he will embark on massive urban renewal of the area to ensure that Ibeno becomes a tourist city in Akwa Ibom State.

The man of God promised to build a 3-Star hotel in Ibeno as well as renovate the Ibeno Grammar School while hinting that he will also build a model school that will befit its tourism status.

On building industries in the area, Udoh promised to empower Ibeno business-oriented people. He stated that his administration will not build industries but will empower and train people within and outside the nation on entrepreneurial knowledge which they will use to function at the industries built by the government for them.

In his words “Government will never build any industry in Ibeno, but when I empower people, they will be sent out for training, after which they will sit down with me to tell me the industry they need in Ibeno. We will then do a visibility studies of the industries and support them financially to establish the industry so that it will be managed privately and not by the government.

For the youths, the Culture and Tourism Commissioner promised to establish development banks that will enable Ibeno as well as any Akwa Ibom youth to access loan without collateral. He hinted that youths will be trained within and outside the country in different fields of business of their choice after which the government will acquire equipments and also loan some money for them to set up their businesses.

While he said his administration will always encourage and support youths to venture into various businesses, Pastor Ita Udoh vowed that poverty under his government will be reduced drastically, even as he maintained that his government will ensure that there is no hunger in the land.

The governorship hopeful further advised his supporters to desist from any violent act, but rather embrace peace. He pleaded with the delegates-hopeful at the PDP primaries to always consider voting for him as the party’s flag bearer in the forthcoming PDP primaries.

Speaking on behalf of the party, the PDP Chapter Chairman of Ibeno, Hon. Eko Ette said the party will give every aspirant a level playing ground. He urged Pastor Ita Udoh to put more efforts on his campaign in other local government areas of the State. Ette also expressed happiness at the likes of Pastor Ita Udoh joining the governorship race and assured the aspirant of their support.

A former commissioner in the State who spoke for the elders, Pastor Abang Okon Abang commended Ita Udoh for his determination to contest the election and promised to mobilize support for his aspiration, while assuring him of the elders’ continuous prayer for his success. Also speaking, the Ibeno PDP women leader, Mrs. Grace Akpan promised to mobilise women to rally round Ita Udoh while Hon. Ukpong Dan Okon who spoke for the youths, promised to mobilize people from the area to queue behind his aspiration.

Present at the consultation were: Deacon William Usoro, Hon. Friday Ikpo, Ibeno State representative of PDP in the State executive, Hon. Lucky Akarasi, Chief C. E. Etia, Obongawan Eta Ibok, Hon. Ifim Henry, Hon. Peter Udoeka, Hon. Ukpong Okon, Hon. Eya Etokere, Elder Ibok Etukudo, Hon. Iko Edemekong, Prince Inyang Eyo Ita, Chief Joshua Mkpat, Hon. Godwin Inyene and chairman of the ward chairmen, Hon. Okon Eshiet amongst others.