A’Ibom Northeast Senatorial District elders adopt Emmanuel’s successor choice

Patrick Antia

Elders and political stakeholders in the Akwa Ibom Northeast Senatorial District have adopted the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Mr Umo Eno, as their sole governorship candidate in the 2023 governorship election.

A motion for the adoption was moved and seconded by former speakers of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mr Anietie Sunday Etuk and Mr Ignitius Edet, respectively during a consultation visit by Eno to elders in the senatorial district on Thursday, March 3, 2023, at Senator Effiong Bob’s residence in Uyo.

Speaking at the event, Bob, who is the new political leader of the district, urged other governorship contenders to imbibe the culture of playing politics devoid of hatred and bitterness.

Bob, who said that the seasoned entrepreneur has a legion of people to speak for him, warned other contenders to desist from politics of intimidation and extreme desperation.

“This candidate has been tested and proven to be the right person to become a governor in 2023. He is our preferred candidate; whoever doesn’t agree with that should go and prefer their own candidate.

“Tell them that the elders of Akwa Ibom Senatorial District have taken their stand and that is to support Pastor Umo Eno to become governor in 2023,” he noted.

As proof of commitment, the leadership of the Akwa Ibom Northeast Senatorial District Elders Forum announced their decision to buy the 2023 governorship form of the PDP for Eno.

Eno, who also spoke at the event, urged his fellow governorship contenders to lead issue-based campaigns rather than resort to politics of intimidation and violence.

While thanking the leaders for being strong and decisive, Eno maintained that no one has the monopoly to run for the office of governor, noting that the race is open for all.

“I want to challenge aspirants to present their blueprint and tell the people how they hope to actualise it, rather than go about causing violence.

“The days of such politics is long gone. You cannot continue offering peanuts to the people out of your abundance in an attempt to perpetually keep them as slaves. We will run a government where the youths will also have money in their pockets,” he stated.

Among members of the leadership of the Akwa Ibom Northeast Senatorial District Elders that spoke glowingly about the candidature of Eno include a female legal luminary, Lady Ime Essien Udom from Etinan Federal Constituency, who spoke on behalf of the Women, a former Secretary to Akwa Ibom State Government, Obongawan Grace Ekong who spoke on behalf of Itu Federal Constituency, Obong T. O. Akpan from Ibesikpo Asutan who spoke for Uyo Federal Constituency.

Earlier, the Director-General of the Umo Eno campaign team, Chief Assam Assam, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr Aniekan Bassey, National Chairman of Maintain Peace Movement (MPM), Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem, Obongawnan Grace Ekong, among others, described the frontline aspirant of the PDP as a quality and credible product for the party.