Political leaders of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District in Akwa Ibom state on Wednesday visited Governor Udom Emmanuel to reaffirm their unflinching support for him ahead of the 2019 general elections.
According to them, they were men of integrity and have, therefore, decided to pitch their tent with the Governor whom they said was an epitome of integrity.
Speaking during their visit, Chairman, PDP, Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, Cletus Eshiet told the Governor, “We are here this morning to have a chat with you, not just as our Governor but also our leader and to reassure you that Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District is intact.
“We want to reassure you of our earlier commitment to stand with you; to ressure you that as far as Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District is concerned, there is no shaking.”
Eshiet said, in view of the recent defection of the Senator representing the district at the national Assembly, Godswill Akpabio from the PDP to the APC, their visit to the Governor to reaffirm their unflinching loyalty and support became imperative.
Also speaking, the National Legal Adviser of the PDP, Emmanuel Enoidem, told Governor Emmanuel, “We have come not just to greet you as our in-law, but to reassure you that we in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District stand solidly behind you and that come 2019, we will return you as the Governor of our great state.”
Enoidem noted that in their team were party members and leaders drawn from the 10 local government areas that make up the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial district.
“If you check, you will see that the founders, the operators, the managers and all the people who make things happen in the party (PDP) are all here with us; meaning you have nothing to fear.
“Because you have come to Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District to choose the deputy governor, we have decided to throw our weight behind you.”
On his part, the former deputy Governor of the state and another party stalwart from the zone, Obong (Dr.) Chris Ekpenyong said he had to rush out from an earlier engagement to join the train, just to demonstrate one point to the Governor, “We stand with you. Nothing spoil. No shaking. Don’t be afraid, the storm will be over very, very soon. Come 2019, we will win the election and win it decisively”.
The former deputy governor said it was a taboo in Annang land for an in-law to be betrayed and that was the more reason they have decided to support Emmanuel that they are men of honour and integrity and that all their commitments and reassurance to the Governor, come from their heart.
Speaking in similar vein, Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien told Governor Emmanuel, “These are the generals in their respective units LGAs, wards, and units and as such there was nothing to fret about. Using a local proverb, Ibok-Essien said, it was unheard of in Annang land where an in-law is betrayed.
“We are not ready to die so, we’ll stand with you and if death comes, we’ll die with you.”
For the Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo (MFR), the people of Ikot Ekpene placed a premium on integrity and as such, they have decided to stick with the Governor.
He told the people, “I have worked with this man (Emmanuel), and I have no regrets. I believe in him because he is a man of integrity. The Deputy further told Governor Emmanuel to stand still. It’s a storm in the teacup. It will soon be over.
“It’s a foregone conclusion that 2019 of victory for the PDP, but a year in which God is going to show His glory.”
The State Chairman of PDP who also spoke at the occasion said ”I can see the generals and the confidence they displayed and I know it’s PDP and PDP and PDP.”
Governor Emmanuel, while responding, thanked the team for their visit and assurances, saying “to whom much is given, much is expected as such I will reciprocate this gesture and overwhelming show of love and support.”
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