A group, Akwa Ibom Professional Initiative (South West Zone), an association of Akwa Ibom State Professionals in the South West region except Lagos State, has called on the Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Udom Emmanuel, to declare his governorship ambition in the interest of the state so that the campaign of calumny and name calling against his person and office would come to an end.
The group also reiterated its support for the zoning of the governorship position to Eket Senatorial District, commending Governor Godswill Akpabio and the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state for the bold step.
The group stated: “The opposition having seen the intimidating credentials and pedigree of Udom Emmanuel vis-a-vis his achievements in the finance sector, they have started blackmailing him as not being eligible to contest the governorship election because of his membership of the party. We advise them to wait till then when their allegation will fall flat.”
Addressing a rally, organized to drum up support for the candidacy of President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2015 presidential election, the senatorial ambition of Governor Akpabio and the rumored governorship ambition of Emmanuel in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, the President of the group, Pastor Oduduabasi Umanah, said: “Let us publicly declare today in this gathering that Mr. Udom Emmanuel, the amiable SSG, should declare his interest in the governorship race because the people of the state have been expecting him to do so.
“mr. Udom Emmanuel is a seasoned banker who can build on the achievements of Governor Godswill Akpabio and also take the state to the Eldorado of economic buoyancy.
“We therefore want him, without any further delay, to declare his intention and put an end to speculations about Akpabio’s successor.
“For some time now, all sorts of people have indicated interest in succeeding Akpabio.
“This is a good development.
“But most of them are not fit to govern our dear state.
“While some seek that office to cover their tracks while in government, others want the position to further line their pockets to the detriment of the people.
“This is why we are calling on Emmanuel, who has been working with Akpabio and also shares his vision for the development of the state, to join the race and put the minds of the people at rest.
“The SSG is the only serious one among the array of aspirants jostling for the number one seat.
