IKOT EBRITAM
As the 2023 gubernatorial race continues to gather momentum in Akwa Ibom State, political stakeholders in Oruk Anam Local Government Area have unanimously endorsed the gubernatorial aspiration of the commissioner for lands and water resources, Pastor Umo Eno with a promise to remain committed and supportive to his course throughout the electioneering process.
The endorsement took place, recently at a well attended stakeholders meeting held at Oruk Anam Local Government Council Hall, Ikot Ibritam.
In a motion moved by the leader, Oruk Anam Legislative Council, Elder Sunday Festus and seconded by Mr. Kufre Eshiet, the stakeholders unanimously adopted Pst Eno as the preferred successor to Gov. Udom Emmanuel in 2023.
Earlier, the convener of the meeting, who is also the executive chairman of Oruk Anam Local Government Council, Dr. Kingsley Frank, in his welcome address, expressed appreciation to all the stakeholders for honouring the invitation despite the short notice.
He stressed that the decision to endorse Pastor Eno was in fulfillment of the promise to support the governor’s succession plan.
In her remarks the commissioner for education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet, who spoke glowingly about the sterling qualities of Eno, described her colleague in the State Executive Council as a man of peace who deserves the support of everyone.
On his part, the senior special assistant to the governor on Inter-ministerial Direct Labour Coordinating Committee, Prince Sampson Idiong, who spoke on behalf of all the governor’s aides from Oruk Anam, commended the council boss for convening the meeting. He said that they had already resolved to support the succession plan of the governor, and called on sons and daughters of Oruk Anam to continue to remain supportive to the Gov. Emmanuel- led administration till 2023.
In their separate remarks, the senior special assistant to the governor on electoral matter, Mr Igwat Umoren, pioneer ex-oficio of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Sylvester Edem; fertilizer board chairman, Obong Soni Udom; former education commissioner, Dr Paul Udofia; former council chairman, Atuekong Ubong Idiong; chief executive officer of Pikmaster Hotels, Chief Bassey Essien; PDP women leader, Mrs Grace Ikpong; Bishop Utorioh and Mrs Itoro Simon, expressed satisfaction with the candidature of Pastor Umo Eno. They, however, resolved to join forces with other stakeholders across the state to support the governor’s succession plan to fruition.
Speaking on behalf of the youths, the Oruk Anam Youth Council chairman, Comr. Imo Udo, described Eno as a good product for the state.
Udo, who maintained that Governor Emmanuel has done for Oruk what his predecessors never did since the creation of the state, said the developmental projects currently scattered around Oruk Anam, were enough reasons to key into the governor’s succession plan.
He promised that Oruk Anam youths will continue to support their sister – Dr Martha Emmanuel and her husband, Governor Emmanuel until their last day in office.
The meeting was well attended by relevant political stakeholders of Oruk Anam, ranging from governor’s aides, board chairmen, councilors, supervisors, past and present political appointees, youth leaders, women leaders and some members of the PDP working committees at various levels.
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