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2019 WILL DEFINE OUR COLLECTIVE FUTURE – HOUSE OF REPS ASPIRANT


Philanthropist and frontline aspirant for the Ikono/INI Federal Constituency seat on the platform of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Obong Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, in this exclusive interview, speaks on why Akwa Ibom youths should be active in politics. He promised to focus on grassroots development and human capital empowerment, if elected in 2019. Excerpts:

A school of thought believes that Uyo Senatorial District stands a better chance to produce the Governor of the state in 2023 if they support Governor Udom Emmanuel for a second term in 2019. What do you think?

I agree totally and expect the people of Uyo Senatorial District to tie their 2023 Governorship to the re-election bid of Governor Udom Emmanuel. The election of 2019 is very critical to the political growth of Uyo Senatorial District and Akwa Ibom State. It will define our collective future. This is the time to lay aside all complaints and support justice, fairness and equity in 2023. We do not need to destabilize the already established political formula. We should be very strategic in our political calculation.

A lot of political realignment is ongoing at the National Assembly. Do you see the nation benefiting from this?

The ongoing realignment is a notable characteristic of democracy and the exercise of the constitutional rights of Nigerians to freedom of association. I have no doubt that the nation will benefit from it. Even though most of the people that recently defected did that for their personal gains, it will, to a very great extent deepen our democracy and strengthen our political institutions.

In 2015, people left PDP as a result of bad governance, insecurity and the massive corruption prevalent as at that time. The current realignments are mostly triggered by desperation on the part of those that felt that their performances may not be enough to earn them party tickets for another term.

You are aspiring to represent Ikono/INI Federal Constituency; don’t you have faith in the current representative?

I would say that our current representation has been below average. There has been a total neglect on the needs of our constituents. A typical legislator is meant to be a link between his or her constituents and the government. There is presently a very huge gap existing between the government and the people of Ikono/INI Federal Constituency. I have not seen or felt any legislative impact by our representative that has given us any sense of belonging in the last three years. I am going there to be that legislator that our constituents would be very proud of. I will lay more emphasis on economic development, human capital development and empowerment of the good people of Ikono/INI Federal Constituency. My focus will also be on improved education, agriculture and entrepreneurship and also attract infrastructure development to Akwa Ibom State, particularly, to Ikono and INI Local Government Areas.

How do you see governance in Nigeria since 2015?

Nigeria has been struggling with governance since independence. We have had very few selfless leaders that focused on what they can keep on the table for the growth of Nigeria. All we have had are leaders that are more interested in what they will get from Nigeria. I would say that Nigeria has been underdeveloped by corruption, which is not only found among the political class but also very predominant in civil service and other spheres of our existence.

You have chosen to run on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a party that is known to be an opposition at the centre. It is also on record that you have also consulted its local chapters recently. What are your chances?

The PDP might appear to be an opposition party at the centre but it is going to be the party to beat in 2019. It will be good to mention that my aspiration to the Ikono/INI Federal House of Representatives’ seat on the platform of PDP is not a mistake. The centre will not vote me. It is the people of Ikono and INI Local Government Areas that have called me to represent them and they are the one that will vote for me. Besides, Akwa Ibom is PDP and PDP is Akwa Ibom. I am going to leverage on that strength to win and represent my people. My chances are very high. The people of Ikono/INI Federal Constituency can easily identify a good servant when they see one. They trust in my humane, patriotism, ability, sincerity, commitment to good governance and potentials to turn things around for their good. My background as a professional safety manager and philanthropist would be added advantages in the discharge of my legislative responsibilities when elected.

It is believed that the youths have not been politically engaged since the advent of democracy in Nigeria. What do you think is the way forward?

Let me place my emphasis on the youths of Akwa Ibom. Nigerian youths, particularly those of Akwa Ibom extraction, should stop complaining of being on the sideline or the domination of the political space by the older politicians if they continue to distance themselves from political leadership and responsibility. Political leadership is not a gift but a contest. Nobody can give you power; you work for it. Our youths should concentrate more on political leadership rather than exposing themselves to all forms of political vices. Meaningful political participation by the youths will guarantee this expected growth of true leaders in Akwa Ibom and in Nigeria at large. Akwa Ibom youths have the determination, passion and energy. What is lacking is participation in political leadership. This is why I have decided to give my people sterling and qualitative representation at the House of Representatives come 2019.

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