Chapter Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ikono Local Government Area, Barrister Moses Akpan, has said the successful emergence of Obong Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo as the standard bearer for the Ikono/INI Federal House of Representatives on the platform of the party has opened a new vista in the political lexicon of the area.
Barrister Akpan made this known on Friday at Ndiya, Ikot Akpa Edet, the country home of Obong Ukpong-Udo, who gathered youths of the local government area to say thank you.
The Chapter Chairman, who spoke glowingly on the various achievements Obong Ukpong-Udo, attributed the success of his emergence to “the reward for his goodness as a philanthropist” with the hope that he will double his philanthropic gesture as a National Assemblyman.
In his word: “My message is that of thanks and appreciation to God and all the youths who stood by PDP to elect the most credible, popular and best candidate for Ikono/INI Federal House Seat. The party is grateful because the success of Macaire has opened a new chapter in Ikono politics. I am very happy that with your support, we have been able to elect a saleable candidate and this has strengthened me to spread the message of Macaire to our people in the area.”
He added by saying, “It is obvious that, Macaire’s success is divine because his emergence will end the era of underdevelopment and usher in the needed development and empowerment for Ikono/INI Federal Constituency, considering his wealth of achievements. As a philanthropist, it is certain that the fortune of the people of the area will change for good because of Macaire’s longstanding love for the youths, women, and men of the constituency. His emergence can be likened to that of the Presidential Candidate of our Party; Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as it was as a result of divine arrangement.”
However, respective youth leaders of the area who spoke on behalf of various youth groups including Forum of the Councillors, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Dakkada Youths, Youth Caucus, Students Leaders extolled the philanthropic virtues of Obong Ukpong-Udo, stressing that they wouldn’t have given their due support to any other aspirant because he has given youths of the area hope.
Those who spoke including John Bassey, Akwaowo Inyang, Hon Ukaetok, maintained that Obong Ukpong-Udo’s emergence was borne out of his love for them.
The youths, who were in thousands, used the medium to reassert their earlier resolve to support the PDP at all levels (Atiku for President, Engr. Chris Ekpenyong for Senate, Mr. Udom Emmanuel for Governor, Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo for Federal House and Asuquo Nnana for State House of Assembly), saying they are optimistic that the candidates will give optimum representation in their respective offices.
Responding to the various accolades and encomiums poured on him by the youths and party stakeholders from the area, Obong Ukpong-Udo expressed gratitude to them, saying he was overwhelmed by the show of love, solidarity and support given him during the primary election.
He added that their actions have repositioned him to deliver on the mandate given him as the next House of Representatives member, saying he was conscious of the fact that “to whom much is given, much is expected.”
According to him, “I am so overwhelmed by your show of love and support. My humble message to you is that of sincere appreciation for standing by PDP to produce all its candidates from Atiku, Governor Udom Emmanuel, Engr. Chris Ekpenyong (Ukarapkpa), myself and Asuquo Nana (Mbakara). It is my earnest assurance to you to continue to keep faith with PDP for the new dawn of unprecedented development and empowerment is here. So, I came to say thank you for standing tall with us till now. Although, words cannot say it all but I am very grateful and appreciative of your support.”
Others who spoke at the event were Barr Edet Inyangidim (Director General of Mkpo ikanna Abasi Campaign Organization), Mr. Asuquo Nnana (candidate for Ikono State Constituency), Hon Syvanus Nyaetok (former aspirants for Ikono State Constituency), among others.
The event, which had in attendance stakeholders of PDP, members of the Dakkada Youths, Forum of Village Youth Presidents, Councillors Forum, Youth Caucus among others, featured presentation of gift items, and drinks to youths by Obong Ukpong-Udo.
