2015: Umana meets PDP ... I am ready for this job

...God will choose PDP     .....Flagbearer- Paul Ekpo

BY PRISCILLA CHRISTOPHER/AKANIMO KINGSLEY

A frontline contender for the gubernatorial elections of the state, Obong Umana Okon Umana on Monday 6th of October consulted the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to inform them of his aspiration.

Speaking to the party executives and the audience, Obong Umana thanked the Party Chairman, Obong Paul Ekpo for opening the Party door to him and his team. He specially commended them for not turning their backs against him and showing him signs of assurance that aspirants will remain in the race for 2015. In his words, Umana pointed, “indeed tha party will act as umpires and unbiased umpire”, noting that the PDP will give a level playing field to contenders of the race.

While unravelling his purpose of visit, the Nsit Ubium economist took time to enlighten the party of his achievements in government since 1989 when he joined the budget office as a staff after which he became the Permanent Secretary and subsequently the Director.  Obong Umana Umana also served as the state Finance Commissioner and later Secretary to the State Government from 2007-2013. 

He disclosed that he was instrumental in the recovery of over 400 billion during the first two years of his serving as SSG due to his ability to leverage on his experience as Commissioner for Finance to ensure that all that was due the State was paid while expressing believe that more were still left unrecovered and will require one with capacity and knowledge to do so. Umana Umana also hinted the audience of his meeting with the Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio who attested that no special revenue has been recovered since he left office.

He declared his readiness to run for the office of governor of Akwa Ibom State while mentioning that the seat of the governor needs someone with experience, capacity, commitment and the willingness to serve which he pointed out to have. According to him, “there is a lot of work we need to do to reposition this state and I believe that when God gives me the opportunity to serve as governor, we will ensure that there is a connection between the people and the government, the party and the government to prevent a disconnection with party faithfuls. The task of building Akwa Ibom State requires someone with the right contacts, connections and requisite knowledge.” He said.

On his planned programmes, UOU who is an alumnus of the London and Columbia Business School explained that he will pursue the hard and soft issues of infrastructural developments, robust industrialization, wealth creation and human development. He also spoke of his intentions to institute a culture of merit where those deserving positions or scholarships can get it on merit. He explained that graduates with first class will be opportune to attend the best schools in the world to position them to become global players, while noting that the state needs global players with global networks to develop the society. 

Speaking on his strategies to reduce unemployment, he introduced the War Against Poverty and Unemployment (WAPO) as the platform for which he will ensure that people are given the opportunity to develop themselves and those with entrepreneurial capacity can grow and be supported to become global players of Nigeria. He expressed that the State can as well produce the likes of Dangote if it firmly supports the youths and expressed believe that his administration will produce economists of great repute like Dangote.

He also spoke of his plans to run the state as a big family without discrimination or nepotism to give the people a sense of integration and belonging, adding that appointments will be shared the same way amenities are distributed. He also spoke on transforming the state into a mega city where large expanse roads will be constructed to link the state capital with all the local government areas of the state to make it a hub for tourism and investment in Nigeria as well as a model state that would show strength in the areas of science and technology as well as information technology.

He explained that the state, being blessed by God to be strategically located in the gulf of guinea, when fully industrialized, will create thousands of job opportunities for the youths who will by then have options of jobs so that going into politics will be their last resort.

Responding on behalf of the party stakeholders the State PDP Chairman, Obong Paul Ekpo appreciated Umana Umana for recognising the party, saying that those who don’t respect the party will not be respected by the party. He debunked the speculations that the party is being biased about the 2015 gubernatorial race, stating firmly that the party has never closed the door or refused presents from anybody.

He however warned aspirants to desist from bringing him presents with the hope of having his ticket. He also warned power seekers to stay away from accusing the party wrongly instead of concentrating on their campaigns. He pronounced that God will choose PDP flag bearer and whoever it is will be celebrated by the party. He again cautioned that only the aspirant whom the people choose will be projected by the party during the general elections.

The PDP boss advised politicians to separate politics from family and friendship, saying that Umana is his brother by virtue of their service in the state executive council as appointees of governor Godswill Akpabio. He urged Umana’s supporters to stand by him to the end saying that “the man who is not consistent is off.”