By Chris Abasi-Eyo, Uyo
The Gubernatorial Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Pastor Umo Eno, has secured the crucial endorsement of three more major labour unions in the state, the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) on the second day of his consultation to different labour unions.
The climax was the enthusiastic reception accorded him by the apex labour centres, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), at the end of the consultations.
Pastor Eno had earlier consulted the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), receiving ringing endorsements.
In announcing the endorsement of their respective unions, Comrade Anastina Iweh, the NULGE President, Comrade Edet Emenyi, the NUT Chairman, and Sir Steve Akpabio, the ANCOPPS President, in their speeches, hinged their support on Pastor Eno’s lofty plans for the workers and the state.
The endorsement by ANCOPSS came by way of a formal motion, moved, seconded and unanimously carried by the principals while NULGE did not only endorse but donated branded campaign materials including caps to the PDP standard bearer.
Comrade Sunny James and Comrade Dominic Abang, the NLC and TUC Chairmen, commended the Pastor Eno for the respect and recognition accorded them by the visit and expressed optimism that he will meet the charter of demands they presented to him when he becomes Governor.
At the different stops, the PDP standard bearer, who presented copies of his ARISE Agenda to the respective labour leaders, appreciated the support of the unions and assured them of inclusion in his transition, governance and implementation of policies concerning them.
He promised to consolidate on the gains of the Udom Emmanuel Administration, improve workers’ welfare, institute a soft loan mortgage scheme for teachers, renovate the Teachers’ House soon after assumption of duties, appoint qualified principals as permanent secretaries, promote ICT education, establish model technical schools, continue the free and compulsory education programme, accelerate rural development, engage in sustainable youth empowerment, maintain peace and security and pursue the development of the Ibom Deep Seaport.
Meanwhile, the people of Uruan Local Government Area have also risen in support of Pastor Umo Eno, and all candidates of the party as the PDP campaign rally held in the area.
The rally was so massive, colourful and impressive that the First Lady of the state, Mrs. Martha Emmanuel, who represented Governor Udom Emmanuel, described it as beautiful.
Thanking Uruan people for the show of support, Mrs. Emmanuel assured them that Pastor Eno will build on the legacy of her husband in Uruan and carry them along in his incoming government.
In their separate speeches, Uruan leaders, namely Hon. Aniekan Bassey, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Surveyor Iniobong Ekpenyong, the Chairman of Uruan Local Government, Dr. Godwin Ntukudeh, the Deputy Director General of the PDP Campaign Council, Prince Sebastian Nkanga, the PDP Chapter Chairman, and Engr. Joseph Effiong, who spoke on behalf of the elders, vowed that Uruan people will support all five PDP candidates in the elections.
They based Uruan’s support on Governor Emmanuel’s achievements in their area which they enumerated as construction of the Anua-Mbak-Issiet Road which has been completed, ongoing construction of two other major roads in Uruan, upgrade of the Methodist Hospital, Ituk Mbang, renovation of the Ibom Icon Hotels and Golf Resort, elevation of an Uruan indigene to the number three position in the state, appointment of Uruan persons into prominent positions, creation of the fourth clan in Uruan, location of the Dakkada Luxury Estate in Uruan and allocation of two Police divisions to Uruan to enhance security.
Responding, Pastor Eno appreciated Uruan people for the reception and support.
He promised to complete the Dakkada estate, establish a low cost housing estate in Uruan, complete the ongoing road projects in Uruan, construct a road to the Paramount Ruler’s palace, rehabilitate and internationalise the beach markets in Uruan complete with access roads, develop the Nwaniba Tourist Centre, expand the Green House and create jobs for youths soon after assumption of office.
Prince Chris Abasieyo is the Spokesperson, PDP Campaign Council.
