BY ABASIFREKE OBOT
The Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and Member representing Nsit Ubium State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke has challenged and warned Senator Akpabio and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), putting it point blank, “Do not insult the Governor again and do not send media hirelings.”
The PDP candidate, Etinan Federal Constituency, who gave the warning on Tuesday at the Campaign rally of His Excellency, Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel which took its turn in Etinan Local Government Area, dared, “Any day I hear them insult Governor Udom again, I will drop it. I had listened yesterday, they didn’t insult him. Otherwise, I would have dropped another one on this podium.”
Luke, who frowned over the demeaning utterances of the opposition party against the Governor, hinted that his ears are down in utmost readiness to hear the opposition spew reckless speeches at the person of the Governor, adding, “People cannot behave as hypocrites. Our responsibility is to tell the world the truth”.
He made it known to the people that the State and the South South as a whole is on the top hate list of the APC, stressing that those from the South South who have been opportuned by providence to represent the people have shortchanged the interest of the people for their personal interest.
While he advised the people against throwing their support and votes behind the opposition, whom he noted have used their symbolic broom to sweep away the prosperity of the State, he expressed optimism that Governor Udom will return to the Hilltop Mansion come 2019.
“I am convinced that Governor Udom by the Grace of God will return as Governor because he is defending our interest and the interest of the masses,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Etinan, Hon. Cletus Ekpo enumerated some of road construction projects embarked upon and completed by the Governor to include:The Ekom Iman road to Etinan Circus; from Etinan Circus to Uwa Ndon and Eket.
On the health and eductional sector, he lauded the Governor for the Army Science School and the General Hospital in Etinan. He told the Governor not to be frightened because the people will deliver him and he will return Governor come 2nd of March.
Rt. Hon. Inemesit Itina, the Chapter Chairman, maintained, “We are satisfied with all he have done for us. He has made us proud, we have no regrets lending him our support. We have enough to point our fingers to what he has done for us.”
On behalf of the youths, Comr. Ndanti, who noted that he was convinced the emergence of the Governor marked the beginning of a new era for the people, commended the Governor for appointing the youths of the area into different government offices, emphazing that 95% of the youths have been appointed.
While declaring their absolute support for the Governor, he assured the youths will resist any form of intimidation by the opposition and will defend their votes.
On the part of women, The Chapter Woman Leader, Ekatte Enoch added, “We are women of courage, we are ready to defend our votes even if it’s now, we are set. We will support you to emerge as governor as well as other candidates of the party.”
The State Party Chairman, Obong Paul Ekpo who also hails from Etinan reiterated, “PDP is one and we are intact in Etinan.” He assured the governor that Etinan is no opposition zone and the people, because of his landmark phenomenal strides in the area, will vote him into power.
Reminding the people of the party’s choice candidates, he said, “We have five elements which is, on the 16th of February, we will vote for Atiku Abubakar, for Senate, we will vote Obong Bassey Albert and then Barr. Onofiok Luke. On the 2nd of March, you will vote your brother Gov. Udom Emmanuel and also vote for Hon. Dennis.”
Governor Udom Emmanuel used the opportunity to thank the people for their support and assurances to deliver him at forthcoming gubernatorial elections, assuring the people that when next he visits the area, he together with his team will come for thanksgivings.
Briefly on the standards of his strides in the area, Governor Udom stated satisfactorily, “The best Technical College in Akwa Ibom State is in Etinan, precisely Mbioto 2 and it is well equipped. The only Nigerian Army Science School is in Etinan. The best General Hospital in Nigeria that attracted even the Vice President to come and commission it, is in Etinan.”
He pledged that on completion of the ongoing bridge construction project in Ekpene Ukpa, the bridge will not march any standard obtainable in Nigeria. He urged to keep faith with the party, promising that he will consolidate on his good works in the area when he returns as governor.
