As March/April General elections gather momentum, there is a palpable tension in the state as Student leaders in tertiary institutions and other youths from the state have thrown their weight behind the gubernatorial ambition of the All Progressives Candidate (APC) Flag bearer, Mr. Umana Okon Umana.
They made their stance known over the weekend after an enlarged meeting held at Darty Hotel, Uyo where Students and youth leaders meet to appraise the current administration and also take decision on burning issues.
Addressing journalists on behalf of the student leaders, the former Financial Secretary of National Association of Akwa Ibom State Students (NAAKISS) worldwide, Comrade Basil Etim offered insight to the fact that the student leaders after several meetings as regards who deserves their support finally decided to throw their weight behind the governorship ambition of Mr. Umana Okon Umana.
Pointing out what endears the students to support Mr. Umana, he explained that the N50,000 bursary promised by Umana has swept the students off their feet, coupled with complementing the bursary with a promise of scholarship scheme to students who performed exceptionally in their academics.
“It is known that our state receives billions of naira monthly and out of the 100% of students from the state who are in higher institution, 70% are self sponsored. But in over 8 years of PDP government, only twice have bursary been paid and students who were lucky to receive it received only N5,000. How then can we continue with PDP? Thanks to Umana for promising to carry the students along. With N50, 000 bursary, the students will now have what to back them up and they will perform well academically,” Comrade Etim added.
He further charged the youths and students to guide against rigging and ensure their vote is protected during the election.
In another development, the Vice President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Comrade Ezekiel Peters noted that although the body is non-partisan, the youth body have decided to take a stand on the forthcoming elections and the stand ,he said is the endorsement of Gen. Mohammadu Buhari as the next president of the country and Mr. Umana Okon Umana as the Governor.
He revealed that after a meeting in the 31 Local Government Areas of the State, 19 Local Government Areas have expressed their determination to ensure Umana Umana emerges victorious at the polls even as they described Umana as a symbol of change in the state.
Speaking in glowing terms about Umana Umana, Comrade Peters described him as a youth friendly leader who is poised to charge the fortune of Akwa Ibom youths. Stressing that it will be of regret if the citizenry allow PDP to have their way again in next Month general election.
Students leaders who thronged the event in their hundreds also used the occasion to advise their colleagues not allow money inducement blind their thoughts ,advising that the should take their destiny in their hand.
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