Akwa Ibom indigenes in diaspora drum support for Udom Emmanuel as Governor of Akwa Ibom state

Akwa Ibom indigenes in the UK have thrown their weights behind the candidacy of Mr Udom Emmanuel for the office of the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

The group, under the auspices of Akwa Ibom Consolidation Alliance [ACA] UK Chapter, held a Press Conference at the Heathrow Radisson hotel in London to state reasons why they have decided to support the Peoples Democratic Party gubernatorial candidate, Mr Udom Emmanuel. 

Speaking at the gathering, the Coordinator of the group Barr Imoh Umoetuk pointed out that with the emergence of Mr Udom Emmanuel as the flag- bearer of the PDP in Akwa Ibom State, there are a number of UK companies who have indicated interest in partnering with the group to establish profitable ventures in the state. “These partnerships are capable of boosting the socio-economic development of Akwa Ibom state and assisting the state in creating a private sector driven economy.” he said.

Barrister Umoetuk further stressed the readiness of Akwa Ibom indigenes living in the UK to utilise their diverse professionalism to attract investment to Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria at large. In his words, the Chapter Coordinator stated that ”members of ACA in the UK are highly skilled professionals who hold strategic positions in blue chip companies and have decided to use their positions to attract investments to key sectors of the economy to engender development”. Barrister Umoetuk also highlighted the level of infrastructural development which the present administration in Akwa Ibom state has put in place forming the bedrock for future Economic development.  

According to him, Akwa-Ibom State is blessed with infrastructures capable of supporting the exploitation of both human and natural resources for sustainable development. Stating that the excellent state of infrastructures in Akwa Ibom State make the state a veritable market for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).  

Answering questions on why the group has chosen to support the candidacy of Mr Udom Emmanuel, the Deputy Coordinator of the group Mr Aniefiok Ekpu stated that supporting Udom was an easy choice based on his credentials, achievements, and past antecedents in the Private sector. His track records in the management of human and material resources makes the group confident that Udom will not only maintain the continuity and sustainability of the present development of the state but will also add real values to the wellbeing of Akwa Ibom people. 

Mr Ekpu stated “that the quintessential qualities and experiences of Mr Udom Emmanuel proves that he knows what it entails to ensure a re-engineering of key sectors of the state’s economy in order to move it away from absolute reliance on oil revenues”. He further enthused that ”the group can contribute to the growth of employment, better Healthcare and Housing in the state, promising that they would work with Mr Udom to ensure that ailing sectors are adequately addressed by introducing foreign investment in these areas.

The group working closely with the campaign committee back in Akwa Ibom, has promised to mobilise their families, friends and associates back home in Nigeria to vote massively for Udom Emmanuel in the gubernatorial elections. They also promised to send their members to Nigeria during the elections to enable them actively participate in the processes itself.