Governor Udom Emmanuel has yet received an overwhelming support of the people of Akwa Ibom State, as a galaxy of eminent Nigerians and political heavyweights in the State haveconverged in Uyo to formalize their approval of his government and affirm his continuity in office beyond 2019.
The endorsement came at official flag-off of the Sign On for Udom programme, a special support crusade initiated by the Bureau of Political/Legislative Affairs and Water Resources, as a platform for stakeholders in the Akwa Ibom polity and indeed lovers of good governance to concretize their support for the Udom Emmanuel-led administration in the State.
Performing the flag-off ceremony, the State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Obong Paul Ekpo, in company of the Senators Anietie Okon, Effiong Bob, Emmanuel IbokEssien, the Special Adviser at the Bureau, Barrister Ekong Sampson, hierarchy of the PDP in the State, leaders of frontline socio-political groups and stakeholders in the state, adjudged Governor Emmanuel as the pride of Akwa Ibom State, the Party and Nigeria as a whole.
The PDP Chairman, who is also Chairman of Forum of PDP Chairmen in Nigeria, performed the flag-off ceremony and commended the leadership of the Bureau for the initiative and for being steadfast and dedicated to the government of the Governor Udom Emmanuel.
Obong Ekpo said the Party and the Bureau are on the same course and have enjoyed a healthy partnership, hence that the party strongly identifies with the Bureau in the Sign On programme, which he described as a laudable course.
He expressed appreciation for the various party men and women who form themselves into various group to support the effort of the Governor and the Party. He however urged them to be equipped with their Permanent Voters’ Cards and be ready to convert their support to victory for the party in due course.
The PDP Chairman charged supporters of Governor Udom Emmauel and the PDP to take the Sign On back to their various villages, units and wards and to make sure that the Sign on for Udom reverberates at those points.
The host, Special Adviser at the Bureau, Barrister Ekong Sampson, explained that the event was symbolic of the love, respect and principally the support that the governor enjoys amongst his people.
Barrister Sampson observed that the galaxy of eminent Nigerians in Akwa Ibom State stepping forward to Sign On for Governor Emmanuel, Sampson affirmed, was indicative of the fact that the people have found in Governor Udom Emmanuel a leader who is committed to true values and have lined up behind him.
He reiterated that there is a huge current of opinion that Governor Udom Emmanuel is doing very well and needs to return for a second term to implement expansive road map that he has for the people of the State.
The Political Affairs boss said Sign On was an aspect of the mosaic of activities designed to promote good governance, support excellence, deepen bonds and show the whole world that Governor Udom Emmanuel gas earned the love and respect of Akwa Ibom people and indeed Nigerians, sufficient to earn him a second term in office.
The programme marked a major intersection in the determination of the people of the State to consolidate the good governance, visionary leadership and innovation brought to bear by Governor Emmanuel, Sampson added.
Goodwill messages were received from heads of various socio-political groups including Samuel Effanga, Eno William, Nature Udoh, Imoh Abang, Solomon George, Chief Sylvester Akaiso, Ekere Isemin, and Aniekan Ekwere.
Others included Special Assistant to the Governor on Inter-Party Affairs, Lawrence Udo; Charles Mbong; President of Esio Nlap Oro, Joseph Okon, and Chairman of Etim Ekpo Local Government Council.
Highpoint of the event was the unveiling of the statue of support, a signature board for the actual sign on exercise, which was followed immediately by appending of signature, indicating firm support for Governor Udom Emmanuel, as well as goodwill messages from eminent Nigerians, leaders of sociopolitical groups and political stakeholders in the State.
