Andy Esiet, Uyo
The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has pledged to take every needed economic steps to close the gap between the rich and poor in the state when elected in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.
Pastor Eno said this on Tuesday during the PDP’s governorship campaign rally held in Ikot Edibon, headquarters of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, LGA (his home LGA) as he promised to massively develop the rural areas and turn Akwa Ibom into a one city State.
He stated, “We will match the massive infrastructural development that Governor Udom has brought to this State with unprecedented rural development. We will create a middle class by closing the gap between the rich and poor so that the people in the rural areas can enjoy the good life and infrastructural amenities that the Governor has built across the State.
“By the grace of God, within my first 100 days in office, Akwa Ibom will witness massive rural development in all our rural areas under me,” he said. In addition, he said his Administration will complete every unfinished project started by the present government as well as create jobs for the youths by jump-starting a new era of entrepreneurial ventures to boost the State’s economy”.
In his words, “We will do all that is necessary to ensure that our youths are meaningfully engaged. We shall create jobs for our youths. We will teach them how to set up their enterprises and support their start-ups to ensure that they stand and Akwa Ibom continues to go forward ever and backward never.”
Turning attention to Governor Emmanuel, he said the governor has not only raised the bar of infrastructural development in the state, but has run a Christ-centred government in nearly eight years which has ushered in peace and rapid development into the State.
He said he will build on the foundation of peace in the land and turn Akwa Ibom into a destination of choice in Nigerians.
“You have run a Christ-centred government in the last seven years plus. I want to pledge here like I have always done, we will not bring down the standards that you have set. We will constantly and consistently lead Akwa Ibom to God. We will intercede for Akwa Ibom State and we will rule in righteousness so that our people will rejoice”, he said.
On his part, Governor Emmanuel urged Akwa Ibom people as lovers of God and peace, to vote en masse for Pastor Eno and never again allow people without violent and dishonest backgrounds to ruin Akwa Ibom.
Addressing the litany of court cases against Pastor Eno, the governor said that he was not surprised but certain that the storm has prepared and strengthened Pastor Eno to be a great governor saying, “if power does not shake you, it means it is not power. Anywhere there is power, there must be noise and shaking. If you walk by that electric transformer, you will hear noise and vibration. That is the product of power”.
He however warned mischief makers in the state to turn a new leaf in their own interest and the interest of Akwa Ibom people.
His words: “Let me use this platform to warn purveyors of mischief that a line has been drawn now. Anyone who crosses that line would face the consequences of his choice,” the governor said. Governor Emmanuel further urge the people of Akwa Ibom State to vote for the Presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abukakar, as well as all candidates of the PDP in the coming elections”.
Also speaking, Barr. Onofiok Luke, the member representing Etinan Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, said even though he also contested to be the next governor, he had to forgo his ambition for the greater good of the Akwa Ibom state as soon as Pastor Eno, another Nsit Ubium son was preferred by stakeholders.
He said he had been endorsed before for several positions he held in the past and present and that he had endorsed other people before to occupy various positions; and for that reason he found nothing wrong with the endorsement of Pastor Eno.
While thanking the governor for throwing his weight behind Pastor Eno, he said he had benefited immensely in the past from the generosity and wise counsel of Pastor Eno, especially when he contested various elections, adding that Eno is a man of capacity and competence, who stays true to his convictions and an unwavering sense of fair play.
The political leader of Uyo Senatorial District, Senator Effiong Bob, the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Iniobong Ekong, the candidate for Etinan Federal Constituency, Obong Paul Ekpo and few others also spoke at the colourful rally.
