Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has attributed the hitch-free conduct of Chairmanship and Councillorship primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across the State to the peaceful and understanding nature of Akwa Ibom people.
Speaking at the Nsit Ubium Local Government Council Secretariat, Ikot Edibon, after conclusion of the party primaries in the area, Gov. Eno reiterated his appreciation for the understanding and good conscience exhibited by Akwa Ibom people towards the government and the state in exercisingrestraint amid the nationwide protest.
He therefore restated his commitment to ensuring that the welfare and security of the people remains top priority.
The Governor noted that funds that would have been spent on repairing damaged facilities and treatment of injured persons, if the situation had gone violent in Akwa Ibom as reported in some other states, are channelled into programmes that will register the appreciation of government to the people of the state.
The State Chief Executive also commended the security agencies in the state for their commitment to peace and for being civil in their approach which, he maintained, has yielded the right results.
“I want to thank God for what He is doing in Akwa Ibom State, and I want to thank the entire people of Akwa Ibom. I have said so for the umpteenth time. I thank them for their understanding: our youths, our men, our women, market women, transporters, our elders, our students. Thank you for keeping our state peaceful. For me, it’s a big encouragement
“When something wants to happen and a leader steps forward and appeals to the people and the people show restraint, it means you have good followership. I know things are hard and I have a clear understanding, but I want to thank all of you.
“Speaking from Nsit Ubium today, I’m speaking to Akwa Ibom State; for not participating in a massive protest not to talk of destroying anything in this state, I thank you. Thank you for not allowing any blood of any person to drop because of protest. For me, I will continue to give the very best that God has given to me to the people. The money we would have used to rush people to the hospital or go to repair one thing or the other, that would have been damaged, would be used to better the lives of our youths”
Affirming reports of peace across the 31 Local Government Areas and 368 Wards of the state in the course of the partt primary exercise, the Governor reiterated that dialogue and engaging with the people respectfully have always yielded the best results, and commended the different units of the party for the harmonious conduct of the elections.
He particularly thanked the political leaders of Nsit Ubium for showing good leadership and for ensuring the emergence of credible and sellable candidates for the party.
The Governor therefore expressed optimism that the people of the area will be the better for it as the candidates would have no choice but serve the people faithfully.
The Political Leader of Uyo Senatorial District, Sen Effiong Bob affirmed that the Councillorship candidates selected earlier in the day and the Chairmanship flag bearer of the PDP, were selected through elaborate consultions among relevant stakeholders and the people hence represent Nsit Ubium’s best.
Announcing the result of the Chairmanship primaries for Nsit Ubium chapter of the PDP, the Returning Officer, Mr. Nsikak Obo, declared Mr. Alfred Charles winner through the unanimous vote of all the accredited delegates at the election.
Accepting the nomination, Mr. Charles thanked the Governor, stakeholders and members of the PDP for choosing him to fly the party’s flag, pledging to do his best to make the party and people of Nsit Ubium proud.