Governor Udom Emmanuel on Sunday put to rest several months of speculations and permutations with the presentation of the state Commissioner of Lands, Pastor Umo Eno, as his preferred candidate to succeed him as governor in 2023.
Eno was presented at a well-attended Peoples Democratic Party’s stakeholders’ meeting which took place at the Governor’s Lodge, in Uyo.
Former Governor Obong Victor Attah, made the formal presentation of the governor’s successor to the stakeholders which comprised major and leading political chieftains from the three senatorial districts, who all applauded the choice and pledged to work towards his emergence as the governor of the state come 2023.
Speaking after his presentation, Eno revealed how he grew up in a police barracks and how challenging those days were, but he summoned hope to overcome those difficulties.
He said he was grateful to God and to Emmanuel for finding him worthy of the onerous task to lead the people of the state and continue the people-focused and developmental strides of Governor Udom Emmanuel .
Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai and the Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Dr. Sunday Mbang, prayed for his success, a sentiment that was re-echoed by the Oku Ibom Ibibio and Chairman of State Council of Chiefs, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk.
Among those who attended the event, were the Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo; Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Aniekan Bassey; Senators Akon Eyakenyi, Effiong Bob, Ibok Essien, Aloysius Etok; and former Deputy Governor, Etim Okpoyo, among others.
I’m still in the race – Onofiok Luke
The member representing Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon(Barr) Onofiok Luke on Sunday January 30 reassured his fans, supporters and Akwa Ibom people that he is still in the race and ready to vie for the gubernatorial ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and contest the 2023 governorship election in Akwa Ibom State.
Rt. Hon. Luke on his verified facebook account posted a piece titled “We Are Still On Course.”
The lawmaker narrated how he attended a meeting at the Government House at the instance of Gov. Udom Emmanuel only to witnessed the presentation of the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Pastor Umo Eno as Gov. Udom Emmanuel’s successor.
“Out of respect and as a loyal party man, I honored an innocent invitation from the Governor for a meeting this evening at the lodge;
“At the meeting my brother from my local government and Federal Constituency, Pst Umo Eno was presented as the choice of the Governor for succession;
” It was at the said meeting that I heard of the agenda and choice for the first time and no one held any discussion with me prior to the meeting
Luke, however, said that he was not against Gov. Udom Emmanuel choice of Pastor Umo Eno, who is his brother from the same Nsit Ubium LGA; but stressed that the Gov. Udom’s action would not stop him from aspiring for the PDP governorship ticket.
“I am not against the choice of the Governor coming from my local government, Federal Constituency nor the aspiration of my brother;
“However, as a fellow aspirant from the same local government at the same advantage when successful, my aspiration to serve the state in the capacity of the Governor remains on course;”
Rt.Hon. Onofiok Luke, stated that his presence at the governor’s lodge on Sunday, January 30,2022 should not be misinterpreted.
“This statement would not have been necessary but not for the misrepresentation in media which may create a negative impression about my person and the reputation God has helped me to build these number of years in public service”
He called on his supporters and fans to be steadfast and committed and be ready to ensure purposeful leadership in the state through him in 2023.
“My supporters and those sympathetic to my cause should please note that we are as resolute as ever in our desire to give our people purposeful leadership in the office of the Governor come 2023.”
Meanwhile, Senator Obong Bassey Albert was yet to officially react to the endorsement after boycotting the event.
