Ekere Partners Uyo Senatorial District Elders The immediate past Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Nsima Ekere, has pledged to partner with the Uyo Senatorial District Elders’ Forum to advance the peace, progress and development of the senatorial district and the state in general if elected as Governor next year. Ekere is highly favoured as governor from Eket Senatorial District, following the zoning of the governorship seat of Akwa Ibom to Eket Senatorial District by the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) National Working Committee reecntly, effectively excluding Uyo and Ikot Ekpene Senatorial Districts from the race. Speaking during his visit to the forum on Tuesday, Mr. Ekere said he was extending his hands of fellowship to the elders of the senatorial districts to enable them work together in the best interest of the state. He noted the tenacity and strength of character of members of Uyo Senatorial District Elders’ Forum while they agitated for the governorship of the state. Acknowledging that, the present administration has done its best, he described the forthcoming poll as a referendum on the direction the state should go. Mr. Ekere re-affirmed his government’s resolve to work with the people as well as focus primarily on industrialization of the state, by providing the necessary incentives and atmosphere for the private sector to build industries and grow the economy. The Chairman of the Uyo Senatorial District Elders’ Forum, Otuekong Sunny Jackson Udoh, who spoke on behalf of the forum, said they were encouraging Mr. Ekere to go ahead with his aspiration, making it clear that they were not against him. He lauded Mr. Ekere’s brotherly relationship with other governorship aspirants and urged him to work to unite the state when he becomes Governor. Otuekong Udoh, who is also the Political Leader of Etinan Local Government Area, decried the acrimonious politics presently played in the state by even members of the same party, saying it was unfounded. Bishop Asuquo Okon Ekanem, a veteran politician and former Chief of Materials of the Nigerian Navy, said the state needed a tested and trusted politician like Mr. Ekere as Governor to deliver the people from “the fatal crossroad we find ourselves.” A former Deputy State Chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Engr. Johnson Essien Ibok, assured the forum that Mr. Ekere will carry everybody along and accord elders respect as Governor. A former Commissioner for Finance, Sir Obot Etukafia, described Mr. Ekere as a thoroughbred professional who had the capacity to govern the state well given his educational, business and political background. The Political Leader of Uyo Local Government Area, Dr. Maurice Ebong, who called Mr. Ekere “our would-be Governor,” urged him to work in unison with other aspirants to lead the people away from the fatal crossroad.” Also, wife of first civilian Governor, late Obong Akpan Isemin, Obong-anwan Imo Isemin in her remarks, appealed to Mr. Ekere to tackle the challenges of stomach infrastructure, lack of industrialization and disorientation of women as Governor. The highpoint of the visit was a prayer session for Mr. Ekere by the elders officiated by a former Chairman of Itu Local Government, Pastor Usen Ebong. Mr. Ekere was accompanied on the visit by political heavyweights, women and youths from the area.
Posted on: Sat, 15 Nov 2014 20:12:28 +0000
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