By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
Senator Bassey Albert Akpan, one of the top contenders to Akwa Ibom state government house in 2023 governorship poll, received a rousing reception in Etim Ekpo local government area of the state.
OBA, who is contesting on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was on consultative visit to the area and was herald to the venue of the meeting by thousands of supporters, comprising youth and women groups as well as some of the stakeholders.
Led by the Chapter Vice-Chairman of PDP, Saturday Dickson, the delegates, along with otherthe stakeholders, expressed happiness at OBA’s capacity and qualitative impact on the people, declaring support for him in the up-coming primary.
The leader of the Elders’ Council and political leader of Etim Ekpo, Dr Emmanuel Ukpong, who spoke on behalf of Etim Ekpo people, described OBA as a “phenomenal” person who’s name is “written in the heart of every Akwa Ibomites”.
He noted that as a banker, OBA excelled but that his appointment as commissioner of finance enabled him to affirm his commitment and loyalty to The Akwa Ibom Project.
“A few days ago someone drew my attention to the fact that over four hundred indigenes of Akwa Ibom State have benefitted from your scholarship scheme. This huge fit, I can boldly say, is not a function of how much money you have but rather, how much love you have for your people, humanity, and your indelible devotion capacity building”, he said.
He also commended OBA’s
performance in the Senate and urged him to continue his consultations with the noted maturity.
He declared, “let no man ever deceive you that he has all the delegates from Etim Ekpo for the PDP primaries elections in his pocket, that is a blatant lie”.
He added, “Today, Etim Ekpo has broken away from the political captivity of opportunist who wrongly assumed an ‘if-not-me-then-not-you’ position, and held the people politically captive for over ten years now”, adding that while many are still under that sieg, “a greater number have escaped and promised never return there”.
He pleaded with OBA not to forget the people of Etim Ekpo, when be bcomes the next governor while calling on the party to ensure a level-playing ground for all aspirants in the various contests.
Speaking in the same vein, the majority leader, Etim Ekpo legislative council, Hon Oliver Idio, assured OBA that they will support and vote him massively.
Addressing the people later, the Senator Akpan who is a member representating Uyo Senatorial District in the Senate, hinted of a glass production factory, to harness the abundant deposits of silica-sand in the Etim Ekpo river as soon as he becomes the next governor.
The silica-sand is currently in high demand in the market and is used for glass production when processed at a very high temperature.
“We shall deploy the needed resources to facilitate the development of industrial concerns to allow us optimally harness this God-given resource”, Akpan said.
He pledged to introduce “positive development” into Etim Ekpo, assuring the people that he would not let them down once they vote for him.
According to him, while presenting his blueprint to the people, Etim Ekpo is a gateway to Akwa Ibom and must not be toyed with.
The Senator also mentioned the 481 students sponsored under his scholarship scheme, adding that 28 of them have so far graduated with first class honours.
Etim Ekpo is also noted for its abundant oil and agricultural resources, yet untapped. Thus, the people were excited when OBA disclosed plans “to prioritize investment in infrastructures to open up the area, by providing access roads to enable our people to tap from this wealth”.
A couple of years ago, palm oil produced from Etim Ekpo area was subjected to investigations in the United States to ascertain its quality. It was discovered that the variety of palm oil in the area has low fatty acid, which makes it highly sort after in the International market.
According to OBA, exportation of such product is an area his government will explore “for opportunities and a structure as a tool for lifting the standard of living of rural farmers”.
His blueprint highlights the need to upgrade facilities at the Etim Ekpo general hospital to guarantee more access to quality healthcare and complement the primary health sector reforms.
The Chairman of Campaign Council, Sir Emem Akpabio, charged the people of Etim Ekpo to take their destinies in their hands by voting OBA.
He wondered why Etim Ekpo would want to support a “least qualified” aspirant, instead of a man of proven capacity who knows the peculiar problems of the people.
He described OBA as the “homeboy”, who will solve Akwa Ibom’s problems.
