Akpan Umoh, Uyo
Dr Iniobong Essien, Chairman, Ibom Airport Development Company Limited Board, has urged all Ibiono Ibom sons and daughters to join hands with him to execute what he calls Ibiono Ibom project.
Essien said this while briefing newsmen on his intention to contest for the Akwa Ibom governorship race under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections.
He debunked claims that he is being sponsored, stressing that he decided to join the race out of a deep conviction to correct the infrastructure deficit in the Ibiono Ibom LGA.
Essien, who has been a personal physician to former Gov Godswill Akpabio for eight years, former Commissioner for Environment and Solid Minerals said he was qualified to be the governor of the state.
He said he has political experience, a high network of socio-economic and corporate connections and the required leadership vision and capacity to lead the state on the path of sustainable peace and all-around development.
“I have heard some rumours that I am coming out to spoil the chances of Ibiono Ibom, far be it from me, nobody sponsors me, I am self-sponsored.
“I advise all sons and daughters of Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area to remain United and work towards achieving a common goal of producing the next Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
“Everyone is entitled to their preferred aspirant, all that I am interested in is that we should support Ibiono Ibom project.
“No experience Army goes to war with one General because if anything happens to the General the troop will be defeated. We are to fight the course of Ibiono Ibom as a people. There is that desire to serve and make a difference in Ibiono Ibom,” Essien said.
Essien said that by reason of the prevailing political power-sharing formula in the state, it is the turn of Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom North Senatorial District to produce the next governor in 2023.
He expressed hope that with the massive support and cooperation that the people of Itu/Ibiono Federal Constituency have consistently given to other power blocks since the creation of the state, every other federal constituency will support Itu/Ibiono Ibom federal constituency to produce the next governor.
He said in line with the principle of equity and fairness that have sustained a heterogeneous Akwa Ibom political entity on the path of peace and harmony, it was the turn of Ibiono Ibom/Itu federal constituency to produce the next governor.