Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno has restated the state’s preparedness to conduct the October 5 local government elections in the 31 LGAs and 369 political wards.
The governor stated this during the flag off campaigns by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.
Speaking at the event which took place at the Uyo township stadium, Governor Eno told the candidates of the Party that his administration’s achievements so far has paved the way for their campaigns to be anchored on developmental issues backed by evidence since they are contesting elections on the platform of his Party.
He noted that life-touching projects and programmes have been implemented for the good of the people, through the leadership of the party in the state.
According to him, the ARISE Agenda has set and was already delivering a robust and workable template for the candidates to adopt in their campaigns, while insisting that their campaigns must be issue-based, adding that he has shown a good example in leading a healthy political and governance engagements.
“You are great ambassadors of our party and the ARISE Agenda. Go and sell your programmes to the people emboldened by the trust that we have done well to earn the support of Akwa Ibom People. You don’t have to struggle with what to campaign with; simply go and campaign based on the sterling records that we have created; records of service, records of forthrightness, records of accountability, records development.
“Go and campaign for PDP based on issues because there are so many issues to talk about. Let there be no mudslinging, focus on what you want to do for your people. Talk less and do more,” he said.
The Governor reminded them of the centrality of the Rural development pillar in their journey towards serving the people at the grassroots and urged them to prepare to wear the badges of accountability and probity in the management of the finances accruing to their respective Local Government Areas, especially with the regime of autonomy for the third tier of government.
He congratulated the candidates on their emergence as Flag-bearers of the Party, urging them to continue to work and accommodate every layer of interest in their domains, so as to foster the development and progress of their Local Government Areas.
Addressing Party faithful who were at the Stadium for the event, Akwa Ibom State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Rt Hon (Elder) Aniekan Akpan, shortly before presenting flags to the 31 chairmanship candidates, lauded Governor Umo Eno for his strides so far, stating that the his superlative performance within one year in office has steadied Akwa Ibom State on the path of accelerated multi-sectoral progress and has also become a positive verdict on the credibility of the PDP as the trusted platform for the emergence of patriotic and people-minded leaders and representatives.
He emphasized that PDP in Akwa Ibom State is ready for the October 5 polls and will remain the people’s choice whom he said have constantly trusted the party to meet their collective aspirations.
“Our dear governor, we thank you for your excellent strides in the state so far. The verdict of the party is that you have done well and we will remain supportive to your administration.
“Come October 5, PDP is ready and we shall return victorious because the people have seen the great works of leaders produced by the party over the years.”
Earlier while setting the tone for the event, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State PDP Congress Coordinating Committee, Engr. Uwem Okoko hinted that the candidates emerged through a credible, fair and inclusive processes of nominations, maintaining that women and youths have been given increased quota to contribute to the leadership of our State through their nominations as flag-bearers at the respective levels.
He thanked elders, stakeholders, members and supporters the PDP for their continued support and faith in the PDP, stressing that such support will continue to birth successive electoral conquest for the PDP.
Also speaking, the deputy governor, Sen. (Dr) Akon Eyakenyi, who extolled the governor’s inclusive and visionary style of leadership and the PDP in Akwa Ibom State, said that under Gov Eno’s watch, women quota in political leadership has increased and with such gender assurance, women across the state will boldly support the governor and the PDP on October 5 and beyond.
Chief Assam Assam, Sen. Effiong Bob, Sen. Emmanuel Ibokessien and Obonganwan Grace Ekong, who took turns to speak, agreed that the governor has shown great leadership in the state which makes it easier for candidates of the party to earn the massive support of the people at polls.
In their response, all the 31 chairmanship candidates who spoke through the chairmanship candidate of Uyo LGA, Dr Uwemedimo Udo, appreciated Gov Eno and PDP for the opportunity to fly the party’s flag, promising to stay on issues throughout the campaigns.
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