Henshaw NYONG, Uyo.
As the political clock for the local government elections in the state ticks closer, support for the re-election bid of the immediate-past Transition Committee Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, Hon. (Dr.) Uwemedimo Udo, is gaining momentum.
Recall that the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) has slated the council polls in the state for October 5, 2024. This development has seen Dr. Udo, an academic turned politician, widely endorsed across the 14 wards of Uyo by stakeholders, elders, women, and youths.
Speaking to journalists and bloggers on Monday in Uyo, a United Kingdom-based mental health practitioner and staunch supporter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Akparawa Jimaimah Essien, rallied support for Dr. Udoh’s second term.
Akparawa Essien, who hails from Ifa Atai village, Etoi clan in Uyo LGA, emphasized the remarkable achievements recorded during Hon. Udo’s first term as Executive Chairman of the Council.
He stated: “Gentlemen, I’m proud to say that Dr. Uwemedimo Udo entered politics fully prepared, which is why his first term brought remarkable development to all the wards of Uyo. Every son and daughter of Uyo can testify that his three years as Executive Chairman produced tangible results that remain fresh in our minds. The projects are countless; the construction, completion, and inauguration of the Udom Emmanuel Administrative Block and provision of an electric transformer at the Council Secretariat, the modern health centres at Ewet Offot and Ikot Ebido, among others.
“Based on my findings, I can state categorically that these projects and programmes have greatly benefited the council workers, the entire communities, and even neighbouring areas. Given these achievements, it is imperative that Dr. Udo is re-elected for a second term, as our people say, ‘one good turn deserves another.'”
The former House of Assembly aspirant for Uyo State Constituency in 2019 also commended Dr. Udo’s efforts since being sworn in as Transition Committee Chairman in December 2023, highlighting the Chairman’s innumerable achievements as enshrined in his ‘Service Alone’ blueprint.
He said the people were elated over the recent construction and furnishing of the new Golden Technical Block for the Council’s Works Department, which was commissioned by Governor Umo Eno. Essien stressed that such a mega project was a testament to Dr. Udo’s dedication to creating a conducive working environment for council staff.
The mental health expert further praised Dr. Udo’s initiatives in empowering local businesses and supporting education. He cited the N5.5 million business grant to women, bursaries, and JAMB application forms for Uyo students as proof of his commitment to the welfare of the people.
Jimaimah Essien, while praising the Dr. Udo, also pointed to the massive road grading projects of his administration across the four clans of Offot, Etoi, Oku, and Ikono. He said the initiative was a significant contribution to improving access within the local government area.
Meanwhile, Akparawa Essien had used the occasion to eulogize Governor Umo Eno for what he termed Christ-centric leadership in the state.
The Akparawa Ibibio specifically praised Governor Eno for appointing many sons and daughters of Uyo into key positions in his administration, including the Secretary to the State Government and Political leader of Uyo, Prince Enobong Uwah, Commissioners Mr. Charles Udoh and Mr. John James, and Board Chairmen; Hon. Monday Eyo Okon and Hon. Anietie Eka among others.
He promised to mobilize the support of his ward and the entire Uyo people for Dr. Uwemedimo Udo’s Service Alone Reloaded project, while also pledging unalloyed support for the ARISE agenda of Pastor Umo Eno.
