The third major ethnic group in Nigeria; Igbos, who reside in Akwa Ibom State have expressed assurance to vote en-bloc for the Governorship Candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Senator Bassey Albert in the forthcoming gubernatorial poll.
Igbos, who have the largest population of voters in the State after the indigenes, made the declaration yesterday at a crucial and special meeting in Uyo, with the wife of the YPP governorship candidate, Pastor (Mrs.) Imaobong Albert alongside other distinguished sons and daughters of the soil, including the wife of the YPP Uyo Senatorial candidate, Mrs. MaryJane Usenobong Akpabio.
The South Easterners under the umbrella of New Top Star FC and Canaan land Auto Part Dealers had in their fold a cross section of the Auto Part Dealers, Timber Market Shop owners, Pharmacy owners and Supermarket Chief Executives.
Speaker after speaker including the Chairman of New Top Star FC, Mr. Chibueze and the President, Canaan land Auto Part Dealers, Mr. Christopher Ejike Ofoma, in their separate remarks, eulogized Mrs. Imaobong Albert, for displaying rare courage in the face of the adversity which struck her husband’s political journey.
They stated unequivocally that Igbos living in Akwa Ibom are not ethnic bigots instead, believers in “one Nigeria.”
They use the occasion to recount the good days of former Governor Godswill Akpabio and the benefits they gained from the robust relationship they had with him, while lamenting the harsh treatment by the present administration.
“We gained a lot from Akpabio’s administration because the environment was very favourable. But this present government has been difficult for us. We pay taxes to different people at different times yet, touts will still come around to harrass us,” they lamented.
“All we need is a favorable environment to do our business; we’re not asking for much,” they said.
Assuring OBA’s wife of their votes, they informed that the Igbos are the largest population of voters in the State after the indigenes.
“We’re not just large in number, we have our PVCs and our polling units here in the State. And we cannot be bought because we’re far above the kind of money they have to offer. So, we are solidly behind you and we will vote your husband, our in-law,” they said.
They wished OBA good success in his ambition and prayed for his emergence as Governor.
The elated Mrs. Albert in her response, commended their entrepreneurial drives and hardwork, noting that such virtues were true pointers to their business acumen.
She introduced her husband as their in-law whose name and deeds are widespread across the length and breadth of the country in positive light, and canvassed support for him.
“My husband has lived nearly all of his life in the State and so, he knows the challenges of the people by his fingertips. He is one man who is uncomfortable and heartbroken when he sees that his fellow humans are not happy”.
“He is detribalised and very particular about the progress of others,” she said.
On the concerns raised by the business men, as they carry out their ventures, she assured that her husband, when elected, will create a favourable climate that will ease businesses in the state for all, including non indigenes.
“It is true that an enabling environment has not been created for our businesses to thrive; that’s why we need a leader who will not just be for the citizens but for non indigenes as well,” she stated.
Assuring that OBA would bring about the much envisaged improved business environment that would see to the growth of their businesses, Mrs. Albert thanked them for their declaration to vote for his husband and other candidates of the YPP.
