By Chris Abaaieyo, Uyo
The people of Uyo, Local Government Area on Tuesday turned out in their thousands to throw their weight behind the Gubernatorial Candidate of he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Pastor Umo Eno, and other candidates of the party, during the party’s campaign rally in the state capital.
Amidst shouts of approval by the people, the Political Leader of Uyo, Prince Enobong Uwah, who was flanked by other leaders of the area, promised Pastor Eno and the PDP the highest votes in the state from Uyo.
Apart from Pastor Eno’s personal attributes, Prince Uwah explained that their support was based on what he called a charter of appreciation to Governor Udom Emmanuel’s achievements in Uyo.
He enumerated such achievements to include appointment of many Uyo indigenes to key government positions including two commissioners and 18 personal aides of the Governor, multiple road construction including dualised roads, construction of pedestrian bridges in six locations.
Others he said, were the massive erosion control, construction of Ikot Oku Ikono flyover, construction of Dakkada State Secretariat Annex, construction of State Traditional Rulers building, rehabilitation of St. Luke’s Hospital, Anua, ongoing renovation of Uyo Township Stadium, and many more.
The Chairman of Uyo Local Government Chairman, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, described the event as a political carnival and not a rally, saying it was meant to appreciate the PDP for uplifting the status of Uyo since 1999.
A visibly moved Pastor Eno, in a passionate speech, promised to make Uyo and Akwa Ibom State a destination, establish a Disney-type recreation park in Uyo, start Uyo International Expo, create jobs, promote culture, reposition the State Council for Arts and Culture, promote entrepreneurial development, build quality government-bonded warehouses and empower traders to become distributors of major products.
“When you enter Uyo, you will know that you have entered the New York of Nigeria,” he pledged.
The First Lady of the state, Mrs. Martha Emmanuel, who represented the Governor, said she had no doubt that Pastor Eno would deliver on his promises, especially in building on her husband’s achievements to make Uyo more beautiful.
The State Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo, who traced the history of Uyo from the days of struggle for state creation before Nigeria’s independence, paid tribute to past administrations for the transformation of Uyo but particularly commended Governor Emmanuel for giving Uyo an identity and a name.
During the rally, hundreds of defectors from different political parties, led by Barr. Udeme Ekott (Oasis) and Mr. Nse Brownson, joined the PDP.
Prince Chris Abasieyo is the
Spokesperson, PDP/Umo Eno Campaign Council.
