Barely six days to the governorship election in Nigeria, the Igbo speaking community in Akwa Ibom State has endorsed Pastor Umo Eno, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The community made the endorsement during a consultation visit by the PDP gubernatorial candidate in Uyo.
In their separate remarks, Eze Barth Okpala, Ezendigbo of Uyo, and Eze (Amb.) CYC Ezeumeakuka, Eze Ndigbo in Akwa Ibom commended Pastor Eno for the recognition accorded the Igbo community by the visit adding that it was the first time a governorship candidate was consulting them as a group in the state.
They noted that though they had started mobilising support for the PDP guber candidate, the official consultation will further motivate them to go all out in support of the Nsit Ubium-born seasoned entrepreneur.
They noted that as the PDP candidate has deemed it fit to honour and recognize them, they will reciprocate the kind gesture on March 11th with their votes.
According to them, "This is the first time that this kind of forum has been provided for us in this state which is an indication that the incoming administration of the state under Pastor Umo Eno is ready to carry everybody along in the task of moving the state to the next level.
"In this state, the Igbos have the highest voting strength second to the indigenes, and we do not run away when it is time for elections. There are verifiable records that since the beginning of democracy and party politics in Nigeria, the Igbos in Akwa Ibom State have always stood with the PDP. We always participate actively in the campaigns and, at the end, deliver block votes to the party's candidates," they added.
They assured that the forthcoming election would not be any different as their people were ready to cast their votes massively for the PDP in the state.
Calling on the Igbo community to vote and mobilise votes in favour of the PDP governorship candidate, Prof Basil Onuoha of the University of Uyo,
Chief Daniel Chukwuma, and Engr. Nelson Onuoha said they have known Pastor Umo Eno for many years, describing Pastor Eno as a honest, cerebral, humble, and sincere leader who should be supported to further on the peace and development of the state.
While noting that the Umo Eno administration would be beneficial to the Igbo community, some of the leaders who have lived and done business in the state for over 40 years, said the community has always supported the PDP since inception, and urged their people to stand firm and support PDP again in the forthcoming elections.
They enjoined those present not to gamble with their votes with any other party, as the PDP has always provided adequate covering for Igbos in Akwa Ibom state.
The community who commended the state government over the peace and security currently enjoyed, which according to them have made it possible for them to carry out their businesses without harassment, stressed that they will vote for the PDP for sustainable peace and development.
Earlier in his remarks, Pastor Umo Eno said the consultation was in recognition of the formidable and nature of the Igbo community in Akwa Ibom polity and assured everyone that his administration would be all inclusive.
Pastor Umo Eno who jocularly said having been born in Enugu State, he has imbibed the entrepreneural spirit of the Igbos, advised the community to vote for sustainable peace and security in the forthcoming election, adding that to do otherwise was to put their livelihoods and families at risk.
The PDP governorship candidate who was acompanied by his running mate, Senator Akon Eyakenyi noted that he has always admired the business-minded and industrious nature of the Igbos, added that if elected, his administration would support small and medium scale enterprises through his economic development blueprint, the ARISE Agenda.
He said that that being a businessman himself, he understands the problems and needs of entrepreneurs and, therefore, he is well positioned to profer solutions as someone with an insider knowledge.
He therefore appealed to the community to mobilize their members to vote for the PDP in the governorship and House of Assembly elections.
While introducing the candidate, the Director-General of campaigns, Ambassador Assam Assam, SAN, described Pastor Eno as the best candidate for the Igbo community given his entrepreneurial disposition.
He therefore urged all present to take the message to their family members and unions to vote for the PDP, assuring them that the umbrella was an accommodating platform that will deliver peace and democracy dividends.
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