.as Non-Indigenes Forum adopt LP Guber Candidates
By Nsisong Sabbath
Governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Saturday March 18 gubernatorial election in Akwa Ibom state, Mr. Uduak Udoh has affirmed that if voted to emerge as governor of the state, his administration would promote peaceful coexistence amongst indigenes and non-indigenes residing in the state.
Mr. Udoh who gave the assurance on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, while addressing members of Forum For All Non-Indigenes In Akwa Ibom (FANAI) at his Uyo residence, noted that no society could develop in a rancorous atmosphere. He averred that in most societies, greater percentage of development are brought by strangers through investments and real estate transactions.
His words “I want to thank you all for this visit. I must assure you that I am not taking, and I won’t take your love and support for granted. I want to specially thank you for endorsing my governorship aspiration. Thank you for adopting me as your sole governorship candidate and the Labour Party as your party.
One thing this visit has thought me is that whatever good deeds you can do, do it. Some of the things you mentioned here are things I did without really considering the political implications and advantages it could bring to me. I really want to appreciate you for your commendations and I can assure you that it would spur me to do more”
Speaking on his plans if elected as governor, Uduak Udoh said “If I emerge as governor, which I believe I will, I am going to ensure a peaceful coexistence between indigenes and non-indigenes residing in the this state. I believe that for Akwa Ibom State to develop, we need to encourage investors to come and invest in the state. Studies have shown that most development in any society are stirred by strangers through commercial transactions, real estate, intermarriages, and so on.
My government will provide equal opportunities for all residents. We will guarantee peace and security so that people would be willing to invest in Akwa Ibom state. Like the International Market that I will build in Ikot Ekpene, both indigenes and non-indigenes would do business there. The monorail that I will construct to link Ikot Ekpene to Abia, both indigenes and non-indigenes would use it for safe transportation of goods.
“There are also some special incentives that my government would provide to attract investors to come into the state. The Labour Party has a good plan for Akwa Ibom state and Nigeria. Let me also assure you here that our Presidential Candidate, His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi will recover his mandate in the court. Everyone saw that he won the election and this will be proven in court. We are sure of victory.
Mr. Peter Obi has promised to build the Ibom Deep Seaport in Ibaka and that will attract a lot of investors, some of whom are non-indigenes, into the state. So as we shall have Labour Party at the federal level, it will be best to also have the Labour Party Governor in Akwa Ibom state”
Earlier in his speech, the Coordinator of FANAI; Mazi Chidiebere Chekwube said they were at Labour Party governorship candidate’s house to thank him for extending his love to them.
Mazi Chidiebere said “We are here to thank you for recognizing us as part and parcel of Akwa Ibom state. Some of us have been in this state even before its creation. We have series of business interests here in Akwa Ibom State. You are the only one who came to consult us formerly. We have also studied your manifesto and we are satisfied that you are well prepared to govern the state. From all indications, we see you and the Labour Party winning this state.
Let me also thank you for the free bus services you have provided for residents of the state, irrespective of where they come from. We pray God to bless you with victory, come Saturday 18, so that you will have the opportunity to implement all your lofty ideas for the benefits of the state and her residents”.
Present during the visit was the Chairman, Coalition of Non-indigenes in Akwa Ibom state; Mr. Ikenna Nwogu, who doubles as the Head of the Non-Indigenes Directorate in Uduakobong/Ebongho 2023 Campaign Council.
Others who also spoke at the event included representatives of Hausa Community in FANAI; Alhaji Bajero Musa, Yoruba Community; Mrs. Tonyin Adewale, amongst others.