By Edifon ABASI-OBOT
Opposition parties in Akwa Ibom State have been advised to concentrate on responsible campaigns and agenda setting, as the PDP is doing, rather than engage in diversionary tactics towards the December 2 elections.
Special Adviser in the Bureau of Political/Legislative Affairs and Water Resources, Barrister Ekong Sampson, gave the charge while responding to media men on issues regarding the forthcoming local government elections in the State, scheduled for 2nd December, 2017.
Barrister Sampson said, with the massive turnout and successes recorded so far in the campaign tour, it is clear that the PDP is on ground in Akwa Ibom State.
The Special Adviser made it clear that Governor Udom Emmanuel is a true democrat and will encourage a level playing field for healthy political competition. He therefore advised members of other political parties in the State to bury their fears, feel free to campaign and not to develop misplaced sight towards the December 2, 2017 local government elections.
Barrister Sampson said the strong undercurrent of acceptance in the local government rallies so far, has served as a measure of the confidence that Akwa Ibom people have in Governor Udom Emmanuel and the PDP.
According to him, Governor Udom Emmanuel has brought a lot of innovations into governance, opened up new frontiers in sustainable development and made gained for Akwa Ibom the respect of Nigeria. Through the ingenuity in governance, brought to bear by Governor Emmanuel, Akwa Ibom people could not really feel the heat the dreaded economic recession that Nigeria has been through over time, he added.
The Political Affairs helmsman further enumerated the indicators of good governance in the State to include improved infrastructure, power supply, balance-spread of development, regular payment of workers’ salaries, peace, security and regular interaction with the electorates. He assured that Governor Udom Emmanuel is focused on bringing the dividends of democracy to Akwa Ibom people, hence would not be distracted by proxy propaganda.
Barrister Sampson therefore affirmed that there is no gainsaying the fact that the PDP has become a religion in Akwa Ibom State, as the people are satisfied with the government it offers.
