2023 GUBER: AKWA IBOM COMMUNITY ABUJA RECEIVED PDP GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE, PASTOR UMO ENO ON A CONSULTATION VISIT
Ahead of the scheduled 2023 general elections across the country by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), indigenes of Akwa Ibom State working and residing in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the aegis of Akwa Ibom Community Abuja received the Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno on Sunday 22nd January who was on a consultation visit to the Community at Akwa Ibom House, Abuja.
The President of the Community, Barr Aniefiok Ibah along with his leadership received the PDP Governorship Candidate and his entourage to the Meeting. The President had call for a motion to suspend the proceedings of the Community’s extraordinary meeting to pave way for the visiting guests to make the consultation and it was unanimously moved and adopted.
In his consultation speech, the Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno while soliciting for support from the Community promised to partner all Akwa Ibom people at home and in diaspora including Abuja irrespective of location to further the development of the state stressing that he was prepared to utilize the resourcefulness and technocracy of indigenes from every section in the state and sectors. He expressed optimism that the support to him would enable him achieve the goal of connecting the dots while furthering on the development strides of the current state administration led by Governor Udom Emmanuel.
Pastor Eno who was visibly elated by the rousing reception in Abuja assured everyone that he would cater for the welfare of every Akwa Ibom indigene irrespective of location; adding that verifiable businesses of Akwa Ibom people would be supported, wherever they may be based.
Pastor Eno revealed that he resigned from a lucrative job in Lagos over 25 years ago to invest in Akwa Ibom, adding that the investment which started with five rooms has metamorphosed into a conglomerate and at a point, had about 2000 staff in its employ.
The governorship hopeful enumerated some of his achievements during his tenure as the Executive Director, Directorate of Agricultural Investments, Chairman of the FADAMA Micro Finance Bank, and as Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources in the State which included successful farmers' enumeration, revamping of the moribund Akwa Palms, registration and flag-off of the FADAMA Micro Finance Bank, the celebrated legislation of the Water Bill, recovery of government lands as well as facilitating payment of compensations to different communities, and others.
While acknowledging that he might not be a regular politician, he stated that he is bringing four cardinal values to politics which include; character, capacity, competence, and compassion; and assured that if elected into office as Governor in the forthcoming election, he would run an all- inclusive government.
The governorship hopeful unveiled his economic development blueprint tagged: "ARISE Agenda," which according to him stands for Agricultural revolution, Rural development, Infrastructural maintenance, Security management and Educational advancement.
He maintained that the next administration would be big on rural development and entrepreneurship, adding that as an entreprenur, he understands the act of goal setting and pursuing the goal to a logical conclusion.
Pastor Eno who was accompanied by his running mate, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, State PDP Chairman, Elder Aniekan Akpan, Director General of campaigns, Ambassador Assam Assam SAN, and Deputy DG of Campaigns, and many others, commended the Akwa Ibom community in Abuja for giving him the opportunity to share ideas with them, and assured that he would not disappoint the community and indeed, the state at large.
In his remarks, the President of the community, Barr. Aniefiok Ibah applauded Pastor Umo Eno for honouring them with his visit and for coming to share his thoughts and vision for Akwa Ibom State.
The Community Leader expressed optimism that the economic development blueprint (ARISE Agenda) as presented by the Governorship hopeful will bring development and prosperity to Akwa Ibom people adding that the PDP Guber Candidate has shown capacity, character, competence and compassion, and deserves the support of all and sundry.
The President futher stated that many members of the community have transfered their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) from the FCT to their units back home in Akwa Ibom State and will play their civic role(s) during the elections.
Also speaking, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, a Patron of the community, noted that he was elated that Pastor Eno kept his promise to personally visit and present his blueprint to the Akwa Ibom Community in Abuja.
Hon. Luke who is the Member representing Etinan Federal Constituency at the National Assembly maintained that the PDP candidate was shoulders above the rest in the race and urged all present to prepare to vote for him and mobilize others back home to do the same.
Speaking separately, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Akwa Ibom Community, Akparawa (Elder) Aniemfon Akpabio,Ph.D., Immediate Past President of the Community, Akparawa (Comrade) Tommy Etim Okon,Ph.D., Woman Leader, Princess Felicia Ekpe, and the Youth Leader, Comrade Christopher Udoh commended Pastor Eno and the PDP for the rich blueprint expected to further the state development if elected. They all appealed that when elected, the community should be integrated into the affairs of the state.
In demonstration of the Community’s support and reception, Pastor Umo Eno was presented with a gold-plated anchor, a Holy Bible and a fathom of the Community’s Uniform by the Community; encouraging him to continue to anchor his aspiration and vision on the word of God which according to the Community is the source of victory and power.
