Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Council of Chiefs and Paramount Ruler of INI Local Government Area, Ntoeng Udo Effiong Akpan, alongside Conference of Village Heads and Ikono Traditional Rulers Council, on Thursday blessed and validated the elections of Obong Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo (Macaire) and Asuquo Nana (Mbakara) as candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Ikono/INI Federal Constituency and Ikono State Constituency for the 2019 general elections.
The blessing for the success of 2019 elections for the duo, which is an ultimate seal of authority in Ikono/INI, was backed up by Psalm 2 and it came recently when the candidates jointly consulted the traditional chiefs.
In his remarks, on behalf of the Chiefs, Ntoeng Effiong Akpan, who said “fortune favours the brave,” tasked Obong Ukpong-Udo and Nana to carry the people along and make the development of the area their cardinal thrusts.
Speaking with newsmen, Obong Ukpong-Udo, a renowned philanthropist, lauded the traditional institution, saying they were integral part of governance and the custodians of culture and tradition who have over the years thrived to ensure a cordial and unified atmosphere among residents of Ikono and INI Local Government Areas.
The PDP Candidate for Ikono/INI Federal Constituency seat explained that the blessing was symbolic and was based on the general acceptability by the people through the primary elections.
He thanked the traditional leaders for the blessing and honour done them, adding that they have been emboldened to fly the PDP flag with the assurance of landslide victory in the 2019 elections.
Speaking further, Obong Ukpong-Udo applauded Governor Udom Emmanuel’s steady trajectory of massive infrastructural developments, saying it has turned Akwa Ibom State into investors’ hubs.
Also speaking, Director General of Mkpoikana-Abasi Campaign Organization, Barr. Edet Inyangidim, who witnessed the historic event, noted that the act by the traditional institution was an outward demonstration of victory and solidarity for PDP.
