IN THE NEWS: Udom is prepared to win 2019 Election- Uyo Vice Chairman
…insists Governor has ‘foot soldiers’ in Ikot Ekpene SD
By Uwakmfon Dan, Uyo
……………………….Despite recent political developments in Akwa Ibom State, the Vice Chairman of Uyo Local Government Council, Hon. Udeme Emmanuel, has expressed optimism that Governor Udom Emmanuel is prepared for Victory at next year’s gubernatorial polls.
Hon. Emmanuel, popularly known as ‘Ukai’ stated this in Uyo, weekend, while interacting with newsmen, on recent political issues in the State.
Speaking further, the Vice Chairman pointed out that the recent defection of former Governor Godswill Akpabio from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), will not affect the reelection bid of Governor Emmanuel, but however said the situation has strengthened the Governor and needed more work from his teeming supporters.
“I’ve never seen Akpabio’s defection to be a problem to Udom’s reelection in 2019. Let me narrow myself down to Uyo Local Government Area where, as a Vice Chairman, I’ve been a grassroot mobiliser, I’ve been to the nocks and crannies of Uyo and I know what the people want and what I could do for people to willingly support Governor Udom Emmanuel.
“I have not seen any Uyo son that has joined the defection. There was a time Senator Udoedeghe contested as Governor in ACN, he was an Uyo man, but PDP won. So if someone from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District has defected, it will not affect Uyo in anyway”, he said.
Continuing, Hon. Udeme Emmanuel said replacements have been made, to ensure the Governor’s reelection comes to fruition in 2019, saying as Governor of the State and erstwhile Bank Manager, Mr Udom Emmanuel is not only confident of himself but experienced enough to take proactive steps that will bring him victory, next year.
“For Akpabio to defect from PDP, it is not something we should worry ourselves. For me, Udom is confident enough, he is the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and nobody’s defection should bother him because he has replacements.
He cited agricultural revolution, road construction, reduction in food prices, loans to traders, youth empowerment, etc, as some laudable achievements of the current administration in the last three years, noting that the Governor’s strides were not aimed at winning elections but making positive impacts on the electorates.
When quizzed about his readiness for next year’s polls, the Vice Chairman revealed he had not only set up, but has constantly serviced structures for the Governor since 2015, maintaining he has supporters across the State, including Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District.
“I was there since 2011 to do my work, have my grassroots support. Since Udom’s emergence in 2015, I’d started mobilising people in various Units, as I’m sitting down with you here, I have my supporters in ten Local Government Areas of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District. The Governor has his foot soldiers in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District”, he said.
Edem however advised some loyalists of the Governor, to maintain a cordial relationship with the people, and frowned at attempts by some government appointees to sabotage the Governor’s 2019 aspiration.
He urged Aides to the Governor to improve on their duties and lessen the pressures on government by assisting people from their salaries.
“I’m only saying that all the lieutenants with Udom Emmanuel should learn to wind down their tinted glasses, while driving and try to tell people good morning. If you’re a government appointee, go back to the village and mobile support for the Governor”, he added.
He reiterated his loyalty and support for Governor Udom Emmanuel and the PDP and further described as a ‘backup for the Governor’s success in 2019.
“I am a backup to Udom Emmanuel success in 2019, tell anybody. When they line up the first eleven, anyone that is weak or has injury, they can use me as a replacement and I’ll make sure that I’ll deliver”, he assured.
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