A’ibom NNPP Flagbearer Visits Ikot Abasi, Eastern Obolo LGAs

The Evangelist
October 30, 2022
By Ata ETUK

The governorship candidate of the NNPP (New Nigeria People’s Party), in Akwa Ibom State, Senator John James Akpanudoedehe, Ph.D., was in Ikot Abasi and Eastern Obolo LGA’s of the State today, in continuation of his Town Hall Meetings with his loyalists ahead of the 2023 elections.

In Ikot Abasi, he met the people of Ikpa Nung Asang Wards 1 and 2; Ukpum Okon; and Ette Ward 1, in the Primary School, Ikot Ataha, Ikot Abasi venue; while in Eastern Obolo, he met those of Ward 5, 6, 7 and 9, in Iwofe.

The Opening Prayers at Ikot Abasi and Eastern Obolo were said by Pastor Victor Uffot and Hon. Godwin David respectively; while the respective Introductions were handled by Hon. Ekitok Emem (Ikot Abasi Chapter Chairman); and Hon. Mgboawaji Ukoima (Eastern Obolo Chapter Chairman).

Mr. Victor Mbat; Chief Akpabio; Engr. Ebito; and others; were present in Ikot Abasi; while Hon. Godwin David; Evans Ekereobong John ; William Waribor (Ward 6 Chairman); Head, Iwofe Women; and others were present in Eastern Obolo.

Among those who accompanied Senator Akpanudoedehe were:
Mrs. Justina Akpanudoedehe (his wife); Mr. Victor Okon; Comrade Evans Ekereobong John; and others.

In his interactions at both venues, Senator Akpanudoedehe introduced himself to the people, narrating his academic and political profiles.

He went on to decry the levels of poverty, neglect and hopelessness evident in Eastern Obolo, and across most of the State, before intimating the people with his developmental plans.

“The 2023 elections are all about you, and it offers you an opportunity to change your circumstances for the better.

“You will begin well by getting to know your candidates and what they have in store for you.

“I am a trained Development Sociologist with a Ph.D. in my kitty; and hold a Certificate in ‘Leadership’ from Harvard University, so I know how to bring you meaningful development”.

Senator Akpanudoedehe promised to turn the fortunes of the State around with certain programmes and policies which he reeled out.

“I will commence an Amnesty Programme (Money for Guns) which will aim at taking guns and weapons from youths and training them, before giving them money to build themselves into entrepreneurs”.

“I will also give One Million Naira to 1,000 people in every Local Government Area of the State, to help them empower themselves and break them free from poverty”.

“I’ve seen poverty, neglect, underdevelopment, misery, and helplessness across our State, despite our huge wealth and know that if we don’t empower youths with jobs and opportunities to be self sufficient and productive, then we are heading for disaster”.

“My administration will settle the huge sum in entitlements owed civil servants; and establish Skill Acquisition and Development Centers to engage our youths productively”.

“We will exploit our Blue Economy maximally by giving all those in the marine business all they need to sustain such businesses including buying them boats and other equipment, so they can go on to create wealth and develop our State from our marine potentials”.

“We need to counter the frightful statistics of 51% Unemployment and 75% Poverty currently registered against our State by the National Bureau of Statistics”.

“We have to revisit our current rating with a motive to reposition ourselves from being the second State with the highest cost of living in Nigeria, after Kwara State”.

In Eastern Obolo, Senator Akpanudoedehe was moved by the pathetic plight of the people to register a profound apology for all they had suffered.

“I am sorry for your suffering, despite the abundance of your God-given wealth.

“If any LGA needs me, it is Eastern Obolo and Esit Eket”.

Chief Ebrukei, a community Leader had earlier commended Senator Akpanudoedehe for his courage in meeting them in the creeks and assured him of the peoples support.

“You are a courageous man, and for coming out here to meet us, we know you mean to touch our lives positively.

“You’ve seen all there is to see about our sad plight.

“Go to the elections and win, because we will support you, and our ancestors will stand with you to take you into the Hilltop Mansion, so you can help us and the State”.

In response to the appeal that he demarcates the boundary between Eastern Obolo and Ikot Abasi LGA when he is elected Governor, Senator Akpanudoedehe said: “I will grant your sole request as Governor, and demarcate your boundary with Ikot Abasi”.

He asked the women to ensure their names are included in the Party Register, and be certain of non-refundable grants to be given to them to trade; assuring that he would build massive markets in the three Senatorial Districts to facilitate this.

Senator Akpanudoedehe told the people that in so many places he had visited, he was told that he’s the first Governorship candidate to come to the locality, and that this had helped him assess the challenges and prospects of the people, first hand.