…as PDP Chairmanship Campaign kicks off
By Ime Silas
The immediate-past Transition Chairman, and Chairmanship candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) for Etinan Local Government Area in October 5 local government election, Hon. Uko Umoh has reaffirmed his commitment towards the massive development of the area, if elected.
Hon. Uko Umoh who made the reaffirmation on Wednesday, September 18, while flagging off the PDP Chairmanship and Councillorship Campaigns in Etinan, noted that his return as substantively elected Chairman of the Council would witness continuity and sustenance of human and infrastructural developments.
Day one of the campaign saw the Campaign train touring Southern Iman Ward 5, Southern Iman Ward 4 and Southern Iman Ward 3.
Addressing the waiting party faithful at each stopover, the Chairmanship hopeful reassured them that he would ensure the commencement of life-touching projects immediately after his swearing-in as Executive Chairman.
“I want to thank you all for this show of support and love for me. I have that confidence that you will all vote for me to emerge as elected Chairman, come October 5.
You all saw what I did within my short tenure as Transition Chairman. By the grace of God, when you vote for me to emerge as elected Chairman, what I can assure you is that there’s going to be a sustenance and continuation of human empowerment. We will ensure more infrastructural developments at the grassroots.
The essence of local government administration is to bring government closer to the people. I quite understand that, and that is what I did as Transition Chairman. I will do even more as an elected Chairman.
I can say here that I know the problems of Etinan Local Government Area. How did I know? When His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno appointed us as Transition Chairmen, he tasked all of us to take development to our respective grassroots.
And, for me to achieve that, I first of all constituted a Committee to go round all the sixty-four (64) villages in Etinan to capture all abandoned projects and assets of government; whether Federal, State or local government, provided they are located in Etinan. The Committee did a good job and submitted its report. So far, we have started rehabilitating some of them during our tenure as Transition Committee. We will continue as elected Council Executive”
Earlier in his address, Director-General of the Campaign Team, Dr. Inemesit Itina, who doubles as the State Vice Chairman and Chairman, Akwa Ibom Northeast (Uyo) Senatorial District of the PDP, while presenting the Chairmanship candidate, described him as a beautiful bride that would not be difficult to sell.
Dr. Itina, who is also the immediate-past PDP Chapter Chairman noted that even though he also vied for the Council Chairmanship position, he had no regret supporting Uko Umoh as according to the DG, Uko had proven to have what it took to deliver the needed leadership for Iman Ibom people.
Also in the Campaign entourage were wife of the Chairmanship candidate; Mrs. Emily Uko Umoh, member representing Etinan State Constituency at the State House of Assembly; Hon (Engr) Uduak Ufot, Etinan Ag. Chairman; Hon Lawrencia Etuk, a former State Assembly Speaker and former National Assembly member; Rt. Hon (Pastor) Sam Ikon and wife, and former Council Chairmen; Hon (Surv) Cletus Ekpo and Obong Donald Uko.
Others were Vice Chairmanship candidate; Hon. Imaobong Michael, PDP Chapter Chairman; Hon. John Pius a.k.a Paiko, immediate-past PDP State Auditor; Prince Ibanga Udofia, former Council Secretary; Obong Emmanuel Titus, members of the Campaign Team, present and former political appointees, representatives of the traditional institution, women and youth leaders, political class and a host of others.
Highpoints of the event were the presentation of Councillorship candidates and absorption of defectors from other parties into the PDP.