AIbom youths warn Emmanuel against interfering in their choice of governorship candidate

Ini Billie, Uyo

Youths in the 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom State have warned the state governor, Udom Emmanuel against interfering in their choice of governorship candidate.

Their submission follows allegations by some aspirants of harassment and intimidation of statutory delegates by the government and party officials of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and directing them against freely associating with other leaders/party members.

The youths who flagged off a state-wide mobilisation for the gubernatorial aspiration of Mr Onofiok Luke, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Judiciary, said they do not have any problem with Emmanuel’s choice of successor.

The over 3,000 youths who converged in Uyo on Monday, however, stated that it seems Emmanuel’s interest was different from the collective interest of the youths and the majority of Akwa Ibom people.

The youths under the aegis of Onofiok Luke People’s Movement insisted that they would pursue their collective interest to support Luke as governor in 2023.

The coordinator of the group, Mr Ekemini Smart, said the youths believe in Barr. Onofiok Luke and have resolved to propagate his governorship ambition without let or hindrance.

“The governor’s decision was his personal decision; it did not represent our collective decision and the interest of the masses; so we will go ahead to pursue our collective interest.

“Onofiok Luke is the collective interest of Akwa Ibom people. We have come out to propagate that interest. The youths of Akwa Ibom believe so much in him because he has the leadership capacity; he has proven that to us in several leadership responsibilities.

“We believe in the mantra of the Amazing Grace and what the Onofiok Luke’s governorship represents. Onofiok Luke is the best candidate for Akwa Ibom State. He has proven over time that he is the best. He has full grasp of the grassroots; he knows how to relate with the masses and he has a genuine love for people,” he stated.

Also speaking, Coordinator of the Amazing Grace Campaign Organisation in North America, Mr. Otobong Umana, charged youths of the state to join the train of supporters for Onofiok Luke, saying “it is time for the youths to rise up and take their destiny”.

While inaugurating the chapter coordinators of Onofiok Luke People’s Movement, Director General of Amazing Grace Campaign Organisation, Mr. Imo Udo, thanked the youths for mobilising themselves across the state to drum up support for Barr. Luke.

Udo said Luke’s governorship is for the collective interest of Akwa Ibom people, their well-being and their future, and urged them to go about the mobilisation peacefully.

“You came out here not by anybody’s prompting. You called us to come and witness what you people are doing. This shows that you believe in this course and have absolute trust in your friend, Barr, Onofiok Luke. I am proud of your conviction.

“Onofiok Luke will protect the interest of every Akwa Ibom person including those residing in our state. He is the choice that every Akwa person craves to make.

“I’m urging you to go out there and appeal to our fathers, the leadership of the PDP, and delegates to please support Onofiok Luke,” he stated.