2019: IKONO, INI LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS THROW WEIGHTS BEHIND VICTOR UDOFIA -Adopt Gov Emmanuel, Senator Akpabio For 2nd Term

By Henshaw NYONG, UYO.

The entire Councillors in Ikono and Ini Local Government Areas have thrown their weights behind member representing Ikono State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Victor Udofia, and urge him to contest the 2019 election into the House of Representatives, Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency.

They equally passed a vote of confidence in the legislative prowess and quality representation of the two-time lawmaker even as they moved a motion that the State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel as well as the Senator, Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, Chief Godswill Akpabio be returned for a second term in office in the forthcoming general elections.

However, the motion was moved by the Leader, Ikono Legislative Council, Hon Samuel Udoh and seconded by his counterpart in Ini, Hon Peter James Ukpabio.

Members of the two Legislative Councils took the unusual stands Friday, when they called on the Ikono lawmaker at the State House of Assembly Complex in Uyo.

Setting the tone for the meeting, the Leader, Ikono Legislative Council, Hon Samuel Udoh, lauded Rt Hon Udofia, for breaking the record of representation in the history of the Constituency through his massive empowerment programmes.

His words: "Sir, without trying to be immodest, you have turned the headquarters of Ikono, Ibiaku Ntok Okpo to a city. You have attracted infrastructural development to Ikono. Our people are appreciative of your latest achievement which has never happened in Ikono, that is the ongoing construction of the Mbiabong Ikot Udofia - Ikot Etim to Nkari Road. We know if all of us support you, you will do more"

Hon Udoh noted that the Federal Constituency was in need of an experienced legislator, achiever, a well-focused, vibrant and dedicated personality at the green chambers of the National Assembly in 2019, adding that those qualities stand out Rt Hon Victor Udofia shoulder high above others.

Also speaking, the leader, Ini Legislative Council, Hon Peter James Ukpabio, commended the Assemblyman for a good number of projects he has attracted not just to Ikono but the neighboring areas, which Ini is one of them.

He noted that Udofia has used his resources for the betterment of everyone, created opportunities for all and care, especially for those who are truly in need, stressing that such a man deserved a higher office to do more.

Responding, the member, Ikono State Constituency, Rt Hon Victor Udofia, said he was overwhelmed by the kind words and support of members of the two Legislative Councils and however lauded the bond and synergy existing among them.

He noted that he was merely performing duties of his office as the 'mouth piece' of Ikono people in the State House of Assembly, and never expected accolades from the people.

The lawmaker hinted that the good representation his people were enjoying from him was made possible by Mr Udom Emmanuel, stressing that the Governor has taken good care of all the lawmakers in the State.

"His Excellency, Deacon Udom Emmanuel is God sent. Even the blind can feel his superior performance in the entire State. The two Local Government Areas for instance, are grateful for his strides in the areas of road infrastructure, health, education and above all, paying salary of workers as at when due even when civil servants in other States are being owed for several months", he said.

Udofia also acknowledged the support and leadership style of the Senator representing Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District and Senate Minority Leader, Chief Godswill Akpabio.

"Our former governor and current Senate Minority Leader is the first Senator in our Senatorial District to inaugurate a total of sixty eight (68) life touching projects across the 10 Local Government Areas in the Senatorial District. My people, such a leader who reports progress must be supported to return to Senate. On the issue of the governor, we all know that his mandatory second term is signed, sealed and delivered", Udofia said.

While promising to attract more dividends of good governance to ameliorate the suffering of his people, Rt Hon Victor Udofia announced that he has picked 21 days to massively grade roads in 10 Wards of Ini and 11 Wards of Ikono Local Government Area.