Ahead of the forthcoming congresses and Local Government election, Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has waved red flag at stakeholders and contenders against attempting to scuttle the zoning system during the local government election in their respective domains.
The Governor, who is also the PDP leader in the State, maintained that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, would adhere strictly to zoning and rotation principles in the local government election in the interest of equity, justice and fair play.
Akwa Ibom Government has proposed 26 October, 2024 for the conduct of local elections by the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC)in the state.
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Speaking during PDP stakeholders meeting at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo on Tuesday, he encouraged women to actively participate in the leadership recruitment process.
The Governor announced that six Chairmanship positions (two each from the three Senatorial districts) have been reserved exclusively for women, including the Vice-Chairmanship slot across the 31 local government areas, while each of the local government area is to produce four female Councilors.
‘‘In any case where there would be peculiarities, the leadership of the party would sit and iron out issues,’’ he maintained.
He noted that the National Working Committee of the party has released timetable for Congresses, even as the State Independent Electoral Commission, AKISIEC has also released the Timetable for the conduct of Local Government elections.
Eno assured that the party will release her schedule and guidelines for conduct of Congresses and participation in the two very important political activities, and as well activate all organs and mobilize members for effective participation in the forth coming Congress and Local Government Elections to ensure the party maintains its winning streak in the state.
Addressing the stakeholders, Governor Eno appreciated them for continuous show of love and support, which according to him. made the first year of his administration successful.
He used the occasion to brief the stakeholders on some of the achievements of the government under his leadership and assured everyone that the second year will be even more impactful.
The Governor stated that in Aviation development, his administration has made substantial progress and investments in infrastructure expansion, adding that Ibom Air is expecting the second of the 10 brand new Airbus aircraft soonest in addition to manpower training of pilots and engineers.
He noted that in the area of housing and rural development, and citizen’s welfare, his administration has built and handed over ARISE compassionate homes to the vulnerable and elderly, stressing that the government targets a total of 400 homes within his first four years.
In his words, “Having finished one year in office, it is just necessary we hold a stakeholders meeting so we decided to come home which is what we have done today.
“I want to thank all of your understanding and support . I want to believe that all local Government Areas have benefited from the first phase of the one project per local government initiative, and we will soon begin the second phase.
“One of the projects that touches my heart very dearly is the ARISE compassionate home. For me, the time we are in now, calls for such infrastructure.
“Last week a couple donated a land to help a widow get an ARISE compassionate home and I felt so touched. That is so uncommon amongst us knowing how our people value land. So I directed they should build a 3 bedroom bungalow for them. The moral lesson we have is sometimes what you wish for others will always come back to you.
“In this second year, we will see how we will increase our IGR and we want to begin to build infrastructure that will increase our IGR. We can create our own IGR,” he said.
On the forthcoming local government elections, he urged the stakeholders to respect zoning and ensure continuous peace, unity and supremacy of the party.
Earlier, State PDP Chairman, Elder Aniekan Akpan, had appreciated the Governor on his achievements in the past one year in office, saying he has made the party proud both at the National and in the state.
Stakeholders represented by the Leader for Uyo Senatorial district, Senator Effiong Bob, that of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial district, Senator Emmanuel IbokEssien and the Leader for Eket Senatorial district, Chief Nduese Essien, appreciated the Governor for his impressive performance, and assured him of their continuous support.
Similarly, the Director-General of Government Business, Chief Assam Assam, SAN, National Executive Council Member of the PDP, Lady (Barr.) Ime Essien Udom, Chairman of ALGON, Hon. Iniobong Robson took time to outline the numerous impactful strides of the Governor and assured him of continuous support even to his second term.
Highpoint was a vote of confidence moved by the stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State on the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno for his people-centric leadership within his first one year in office.
Moving a motion on behalf of the National Assembly caucus, Senator Ekong Sampson said Governor Eno has started very strong and was earning the respect of most Nigerians, adding that his people-centric leadership and inclusive governance have made him a model of democratic governance.
The motion was seconded by the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong and confirmed by all in attendance through a voice vote.
