By Mfon Hanson
In reaction to governor Udom Emmanuel’s unique leadership style, display of good governance, coupled with the prudent management of funds in the face of harsh economy faced in the country, former chairmen of local government areas in the state under the auspices of “Forum of former elected Chairmen of Local government in Akwa Ibom state, today endorsed the governor for a second term in office come 2019.
The Leader of the forum (former chairman of Ibiono Ibom LGA), Akparawa Godwin Ekpo made the group’s position known in a chat with a cross section of Journalists in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state.
The leader who listed governor Udom Emmanuel’s achievements to include : Massive and quality road construction in the 3 Senatorial Districts of Akwa Ibom state, revival of peacock paint company, Facilitating the establishment of pencil factory, inauguration of syringe and metering companies, sustaining the payment of WAEC fees to students as well as the free and compulsory education, turn around maintenance and govt support to the health sector, giant strides recorded in the sport sector, tourism revolution, spread of appointments within the 3 Senatorial districts, enhanced civil service as well as the cordial relationship existing between the three arms of government among other things, described the achievement as a good yardstick to allow the governor to continue in office.
He said that the forum of former Chairmen made up of former council Chairmen from 1999 till date is open to all irrespective of party affiliation, dismissing the fact that the endorsement was to create relevance and launched itself to the system of governance of Udom Emmanuel.
He noted with satisfaction that governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration has created a good road map aimed at the long term development of the state as well as successfully actualising industrial content to kick start the participation of the private sector, making Akwa Ibom state to stand tall as a destination of choice.
Akparawa Ekpo who maintained that Udom Emmanuel remains a credible candidate for the 2019 governorship seat in the state, called on the people take advantage of the ongoing registration by INEC and obtain their voters card to vote for unity and equity just like it was done in the case of governors Victor Attah and Godswill Akpabio of Uyo and Ikot Ekpene senatorial districts respectively, who governed for 8 uninterrupted years.
“Since the return of democracy to Nigeria power has been rotating between the 3 senatorial districts. As the PDP remains the platform of this democratic renaissance, from 1999, Attah and Akpabio had taken their two terms each… it was the resolve of the people of Akwa Ibom state to vote Udom Emmanuel from Eket senatorial district to lead the state into industrial era of our development, and he has remained a bridge builder, a visionary leader, tested, trusted and a credible leader that should be looked up to”
“The unity of our state as a people and the choice of continuity for the present leadership of the state is not negotiable”.