Commercial and economic activities as
well as vehicular movements were temporarily grounded to a halt on Thursday in
parts of Uyo, the State capital, when the Senator representing Akwa Ibom South
(Eket) Senatorial District, Senator Helen Esuene, visited the State Secretariat
of Labour Party in Uyo, to acquaint them of her preparedness to win the 28th
February governorship election.
However, at about 10 am, a mammoth
crowd of Supporters had besieged Esuene’s convoy from her Campaign office along
Udo Udoma Avenue in Uyo, causing traffic gridlock, following the distinguished
Senator all the way to the LP State secretariat in Ekpo Obot Street, Uyo.
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| HE Senator Mrs Helen Esuene, Guber Candidate Labour Party, AKS |
In a well attended official
declaration ceremony, Esuene who was accompanied by her running mate, Pastor David Okpon,
Director-General, Esuene/Okpon Campaign Organisation, Sir Effiong Archibong,
former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Barrister Bassey Essien, amongst
other echelons, made her declaration before Labour party stakeholders and
members as well as 17 candidates of the party in this month's general
elections.
Addressing the people, Senator Esuene
said coming to Labour Party is just not the best way but the only way available
to continue the fight to free Akwa Ibom from hands of one family who has
grounded the wealth of the State, stressing her readiness to take over the
Hiltop Mansion post-Akpabio administration and build Akwa Ibom of our dream.
Helen, wife of the Late Governor of
old Cross River State, Brigadier U J Esuene, observed that the course under the
platform of LP is a child of circumstance.
"This project, I want to stress,
is a child of circumstance. As you know, I have been in PDP for many years. In
fact, since I entered politics, the Peoples Democratic Party had been my party
until recently. Because I stand for justice, equity and fairness no matter the
situation, I'll uphold same to time indefinite.
"It is said that what is sourced
for the goose is source for the gander. As it is wholesome and nice for you,
you should allow others also to partake in it. You will recall that 22
aspirants protested against the sham and show of shame called PDP primary
election held on the 8th of December, last year. And since the party didn't
find it right to address the issue and talk to us as the father, we decided to
go somewhere where we can bring forth those attributes and virtues Akwa Ibom
People are yearning for... I was unanimously selected. We did not campaign, we
did not cast ballot. I was just told the luck falls on you to run", said
the Senator.
The Labour Party governorship
candidate stressed that her Campaign Organisation will portray the visions as
well as desires of the G22, maintaining that the group is working for the
victory of Esuene/Okpon joint ticket.
She noted that her administration
will be anchored on three major thrust, namely: Job creation through
Agriculture and industries, Qualitative Education and Affordable Healthcare
delivery.
The former Minister of the Federal
Republic used the occasion to call on all sons and daughters of the State at
home and in the Diaspora, to join the train of G22+
"This is a movement of true sons,
daughters, elders, youth and women of Akwa Ibom who believe in good governance,
peace, transparency, Justice, progress and equal right for all. So, if you want
these to dwell in our State, we urge you to join the bandwagon"
Also speaking, Senator Esuene's
running mate, Pastor David Okpon, assured the people that the course on the LP
is not a self-serving mission, maintaining that it is a mission to rescue
entire state from the claws of a few, who think they own Akwa Ibom.
The Uyo born business mogul-cum-politician
noted that the PDP had let the people down, saying they (including 17
candidates of the LP) refused to be part of an arrangement that will
continually foist unfettered humiliation on Akwa Ibom people.
Other speakers including the Campaign
Director of Esuene/Okpon campaign organization, Sir Effiong Archibong,
Ex-speaker of the State House of Assembly, Barrister Bassey Essien, said the
Labour Party, as fate now has it, provides the best opportunity for our people
to break away from the yoke of oppressive and unresponsive government, calling
on all and sundry to support a government that will bring an end to impunity,
poverty, starvation and penury.
Responding, the State Chairman of
Labour Party, Mr Lincoln Charles, while eulogizing leadership style of the
Senator, called on Akwa Ibom People to vote for Esuene, as well as 17
candidates of the party in the forthcoming general elections.
Immediate-past State Chairman of the
party, Mr Etim Stern, assured the people that LP will win because Peoples' power
will ultimately defeat godfather power in the general election.
Deputy State Women leader of the
Labour Party, Emem Effiong, while fielding questions from the reporter after
the event, described Senator Helen Esuene as someone who enjoys a very smooth relationship
and support of the elders, youths and women of the State and also has a deep
understanding of the politics of the state, having been the first lady,
Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and currently a Senator, assuring
that the party had started door-to-door campaigns already to educate all women
including those in rural areas on how to vote and the party to vote in the
forthcoming general elections.
Meanwhile, to ensure her victory in
the 28th February governorship election, Senator Helen Esuene has launched over
30 Toyota Haise Buses for the campaigns, colourful and intimidating campaign
posters have been in the 31 Local Government Areas of the State, men and women
have also been appointed to work assiduously for the victory of the Ex-first
Lady.
However, the question in the lips of
all is, with less than 3 weeks to the governorship election, is it possible
that the Senator will be able to move round
the entire 31 LGA's of the State to
woo support? Perhaps a food for thought for her Campaign Organisation and
Labour Party in the State!
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