Obong Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, fondly called Macaire, while shairing his thoughts with journalists in his hometown, gave reasons why Governor Udom Emmanuel is determined to take Akwa Ibom and its people to the next level. He also assured that his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), will have a landslide victory in the 2019 general.
He expressed optimism that the Udom Emmanuel-led administration and the PDP will continually consolidate the improving state of economy, infrastructure and industrialization, saying “I am optimistic that more dividends of democracy will be delivered. I share in the expectations of Akwa Ibom people, particularly that of my Federal Constituency, just as I have confidence in the PDP to deliver on its promises. I trust Governor Udom Emmanuel and his team to fulfill that promise, including job creation and other developmental programs.”
When asked to rate Governor Udom Emmanuel in line with recent political happenings in the state, Obong Ukpong-Udo said “The government in Akwa Ibom State under the leadership of Governor Udom Emmanuel is a performing PDP administration. The Governor, being a great party man and a financial guru, is delivering on his promises to the people and he will not relent even in the face of seeming recent political happenings. I have said it several times that the basic responsibility of any people-oriented government is in the areas of welfare, basic amenities and security.”
“The welfare of the people is one thing Governor Udom Emmanuel is never willing to compromise. The Dakkada philosophy has also shown that he has a great dream about how Akwa Ibom statue can be better administered. And when you look at Akwa Ibom State, you will agree with me that we have really fared well. Our story has really changed and the people can attest to this,” he added.
Speaking further, Obong Ukpong-Udo said “If you talk about infrastructural development, you will see that the Udom Emmanuel-led administration has actually kept to its promise. So, I am sure he will do more in 2019.”
The National Assembly hopeful maintained that his party, the PDP, will continue to be a religion in Akwa Ibom State, according to him, “People can talk, people can boast, but the voters know what they want and how to get it. In Akwa Ibom State, the PDP has delivered on its promises to the people and the people are ready to maintain the tradition of voting for PDP. What is left to be done is to ensure that after 2019, the party, under the leadership of Governor Udom Emmanuel, consolidates on the gains of its first term.”
When asked about his aspiration and whether his Ikono South zone will get the House of Representatives seat in 2019, Obong Ukpong-Udo said “I believe in the established zoning arrangement in Ikono and INI Local Government Areas. Even Governor Udom Emmanuel and the PDP have openly preached and endorsed zoning. Why do you think they did that? It is because they want to promote justice, equity and fairness. They want to promote integration and mutual co-habitation. However, I appeal to our brothers and sisters in other zones to support the aspiration of Ikono South to produce the next House of Representatives member in 2019.”
On how he will describe his chances to the Ikono/INI Federal Constituency seat as a leading aspirant, Obong Ukpong-Udo maintained thus “I shouldn’t be the one to answer this question because I shouldn’t be the one blowing my own trumpet. But this is politics and it is a game of numbers. In politics, you cannot claim what you don’t have because if you do, the result will expose you as a liar. We are gradually building a movement that will deliver the House of Representatives’ ticket to us. Nobody can build something on nothing. I have record speaking for me.”
“I am not new to the people. They have seen what I have done in the past and they are pleased with my leadership prowess. A good number are appreciating the synergy my campaign organization and other socio-political organizations have created. Others are happy that I have their interest at heart,” he added.
Explaining further, Obong Ukpong-Udo said “The people have seen that passion and readiness in me to serve. They have openly appreciated the selflessness in me and they are asking for more. This is I kept saying that aspiration to the House of Representatives is beyond personal ambition. It is actually hinged on what the people of Ikono and INI local Government Areas, vis-à-vis Akwa Ibom State desire. I have listened to many people and I am convinced that the best thing I can do now is to offer myself for the task.”
