By our Correspondent
A leading contender for the number one office in Akwa Ibom state, Obong Uduak Udoh has promised the people of Ikot Ekpene local government area that if elected, he shall ensure the development of the area to enable her restoration and regain her lost glory.
Uduak Udoh, who is aspiring to govern the state on the platform of the Labour Party (LP), made the pledge yesterday while addressing a crowd of Ikot Ekpene people who thronged the streets to welcome him as his Campaign convoy berthed Ikot Ekpene on a routine Campaign Road Show across the thirty-one local government areas of the state.
“I thank you, Ikot Ekpene people for your show of love. I must say that I am overwhelmed by the warmth reception you have accorded me today. I won’t take this for granted. I thank you for your supports so far”, the Governorship hopeful said while addressing the cheering crowd.
He continued “As you can see, I am the most accessible governorship candidate. And that is how I am, naturally. If you remember, this is not the first time I’m coming down to address you closely, this way. About two weeks ago, I was here with the wife of our incoming President, I’m talking about the daughter of the soil; Her Excellency, Mrs. Margaret Peter Obi, wife of the Labour Party Presidential Candidate; His Excellency, Mr. Peter Obi.
My return today should prove to you how dear and important you are to me. I remember how you came out en masse to welcome me and Her Excellency and today, you are here again. Let me make this vow here before you that if you elect me as your governor, I won’t let you down. My government will make Ikot Ekpene great again. When Ikot Ekpene is great, you the inhabitants are great.
“Ikot Ekpene is a very important, strategic and unique local government, not just in Akwa Ibom state or Nigeria, but the entire West Africa. Ikot Ekpene was the first experimental local government area in Africa. My father used to tell me how the Whites used to come here for various administrative and business transactions. Ikot Ekpene was once a home for all but unfortunately, she lost her glory and greatness due to negligence.
“When I become the governor of Akwa Ibom state, I will rebuild Ikot Ekpene to reclaim her lost glory. I will build an international market here so that you won’t need to travel to Aba, Ariaria and Onitsha to buy goods. People from our neighboring states will bring their goods to sell here. I will also build a monorail from here to link Aba so that transportation of goods will be safe and secure. I will transform Ikot Ekpene into an economic hub. While traders from other states would bring their wares to sell here, they will also buy our goods.
I know you are worried about the neglect you have suffered so far. But I can tell you to worry no more. I represent the New Era. You know those who abandoned you. They will come back, sometimes with money to buy you again. Don’t vote for them again. They have starved you for years and now they want to bring crumbs to you. You may collect the money, after all, it’s your money. But, vote for me for a greater and prosperous Ikot Ekpene and Akwa Ibom state”.