TheHILL | POLITICS | January 21
By Mary Ekere
The arrival of Dr Iniobong Ene Essien to his hometown, Ikot Edo, Ididep in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area for consultations bordering on the forthcoming 2023 gubernatorial race in Akwa Ibom State could be likened to the triumphant entry of our Lord “Jesus Christ into jerusalem with a very great multitude who, while following, spread their garments on the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and laid them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest”.
Beginning from Ekim Itam Junction to the hometown of the governorship aspirant, women, youth, indeed every well meaning indigene and resident were on ground to welcome him. Outstanding among them all, were okada riders who in their large numbers and fanfare with blaring of sirens led Dr Iniobong Essien down to his father’s compound in Ikot Edo where another crowd was awaiting his arrival. The joy displayed by everyone was beyond descriptions.
Addressing his people, the governorship aspirant, who is the Chairman, Ibom Airport Development Company Limited, stated that it is a good thing that there is peace in the State; he applauded His Excellency, Udom Emmanuel for enthroning peace and ensuring that everyone can live and go about their legitimate affairs peacefully.
Essien said, “in order to ensure that the peace is sustained at the same time, fulfill Akwa Ibom dreams through God’s Performance, I am here to consult the Elders of my aspiration to stand election as Governor come 2023. It is God’s ordinance that God’s Performance project be birthed and the time is now. I am therefore, soliciting your support and prayers that the Governor should anoint your son for that position”.
Presenting Dr Iniobong Essien to his people while also seeking their consent for the latter to go ahead with his aspiration, the Director General of God’s Performance Campaign Team, Akparawa Udo Sam Umoatan reminded them of Dr Essien’s commitment and dedication to service which earned him the privilege of being a personal physician to the immediate past Governor of the state, Godswill Akpabio for eight years.
Akparawa Umoatan told the Ibiono Ibom’s Indigenes that Dr Essien’s thoroughness in carrying out his duties earned him a recommendation to the incumbent Governor Udom Emmanuel who then appointed him first – as Commissioner for Environment and Solid Minerals and later, Commissioner for Science and Technology of which both ministries under his watch interpreted the dreams and programmes of the state government to the understanding of the masses as well as added to the development of the state. Still tapping from his well of knowledge, the Governor further appointed him as Chairman, Akwa Ibom Airport Development Company Limited. He has, as ususl, further injected life into the state’s aviation sector.
Umoatan therefore pointed out that these experiences and the humane qualities of Dr Essien are the reason his people should queue behind him and tell of his wondrous stories to the generality of Akwa Ibom people to enable Essien’s emergence as Governor in 2023 in order to continue in stemming the state’s economic growth likewise, sustaining the peace witnessed in the state which is paramount to the incumbent Governor and the people.
Reacting, the traditional chiefs said their son, Dr Iniobong Essien has their endorsement already and prayed for his successes throughout the electioneering processes.
Speaking on behalf of the Chiefs, the Chairman of the Village Council, Chief Okon James Akpan prayed that no evil shall befall him, and urged the people to give him their utmost support as well.
