…As Ikono Endorses Gov Udom Emmanuel For 2nd Term


By Ededet Nyong

The immediate past Commissioner for Works, Mr. Ephraim Inyang has described the Chairman, Ikono Local Government Caretaker Committee, Mr. Itoro Columba as one with the capacity to deliver democratic deliverables to the people of Ntippe Ibibio. The immediate past Commissioner made his feelings known while inaugurating twin blocks of open market sheds accommodating a total of 24 stalls renovated by the Ikono Local Government Caretaker Committee at the Urua Edet Mbat in Ikot Akpa Edet and Aka Akpeme communities.

Speaking through the Chairman, Uyo Local Government Caretaker Committee, Barr. Mfon Ben, the immediate past Commissioner noted that the completion of the twin blocks of open market sheds was a testimony of the vision of the Itoro Columba led administration in Ikono Local Government. He said, “If within just three months in office and with the meager resources available to the council, you have been able to do this, then you have proved your capacity for more responsibilities”. The thoroughbred administrator also praised the Ikono Council boss for not disappointing the trust and confidence reposed in him by the State Governor and urged the people of the area to remain steadfast with the present administration as more democratic deliverables will be their lot.

Also speaking, the State Chairman of ALGON and Chairman, Eket Local Government Caretaker Committee who was represented by his wife, Mrs Bright Archibong described the day as one of joy and conviviality in the communities. He extolled the Ikono Council boss and his administration as shining examples of people-oriented leadership and appreciated the youths and elders of the area for opening their doors to embrace development which the twin block open market sheds will bring.
When the Ikono Council boss spoke it was to return all gratitude to the State Governor for finding him fit to lead the Cradle of Ibibio Civilization at a time like now. He said the day marked a watershed in his annals as he had proved himself to be a true son and ambassador of the State Governor. “When we were sworn into office, the Governor charged us to prove our capacity by creating wealth and thinking outside the box to bring development to the grassroots, I believe this twin blocks each made up of twelve open stalls is a demonstration of our capacity,” the council boss told the mammoth crowd of dignitaries, community leaders and youths who turned up for the event.

“A good son must resemble his father. I have a father in Gov Udom Emmanuel who is doing uncommon things at a time like this. Only in Akwa Ibom are we seeing jobs and wealth being created, roads being constructed, industrialization going on and workers entitlements being settled promptly in a period of economic recession. This can only happen in Akwa Ibom where Governor Udom Emmanuel is the Governor. As a true political son of my father, I must be like him. And so whether there’s free flow of money or not, Ikono must be transformed”, the ace broadcaster posited.

He informed the mammoth crowd of the Governor’s love for Ikono Local Government as demonstrated in his award of contract for the construction of the 6km Mbiafun Nkwongo-Nung Ukim road which traverses the local government. He also added that plans were underway for the construction of another road, the Nung Udoe Itak-Ikot Odung-Nkara-Abak road and posited that with these and many more which are in the pipeline, Ikono natives stand to benefit more if they invest their support to the State Governor for eight years.

On the two blocks of open market sheds renovated by his administration at Urua Edet Mbat, the accomplished broadcast journalist turned politician stated that he was moved by the debilitating trading environment to re-construct the open sheds for the market women. He appreciated the market management for their sincerity and commitment in overseeing the market and urged them to reciprocate the council’s gesture by taking care of the facilities.

He proceeded to move a motion for the continuity of Gov Udom Emmanuel in office till 2023. “Whereas the Governor has so far acquitted himself and vindicated the almost 1 million Akwa Ibom people who voted for him; whereas since 1999, there has been an established political precedent where a Governor does two terms of 8 years. Whereas what is sauce for the goose should also be sauce for the gander, I hereby in my capacity as Chairman and custodian of the social, economic and political norms of Ikono, the Cradle of Ibibio Nation move and let it be so moved that the magical, performing, record-breaking workers-friendly and people-centred Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel shall remain in the Hilltop Mansion till 2023. Those in support of the motion, stand on your feet and say “Aye”, he moved. In response, there was a thunderous and overwhelming shout of “Ayes” by the excited Ikono people.

Responding to the requests made by the Chiefs and natives of the two communities who share ownership of the market, the Caretaker Chairman stated that if he could construct the twin open sheds without their prompting, then they should rest assured that the council would in no time respond to their requests for more open market sheds and other amenities. He disclosed that his administration had also completed the renovation of a borehole water scheme and electricity generating set at an oil palm processing mill at Afaha Ediene which had broken down for eight years and called on his kith and kin to brace up for more as he was working on a PPP model to build a world class motor park in the Itak axis of the local government to replace the old one which had been overtaken by the Uyo-Ikot Ekpene dual carriage way.

The Chairman concluded by thanking the Secretary and members of the Ikono Caretaker Committee for showcasing true comradeship and co-operation, traits he said were responsible for the numerous achievements recorded by the barely three old months administration in Ntippe Ibibio.

Others who witnessed the inauguration of the twin open market sheds were the Chairman’s wife, Ekaette, Chairman, Itu Caretaker Committee, Mrs. Elsie Esara, her Ibiono Ibom counterpart, Mr. Samuel Eka, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Demographics/Economic Planning, Dr. Anthony Usoro, the Secretary, Ikono Caretaker Committee, Barr. Ekemini Uba, members of the Ikono Caretaker Committee, the PDP Chapter Chairmen, Chief (Barr) Moses Akpan represented by the Chapter Secretary, Barr. O. B. Akpan, the village heads of the two benefitting communities, Eteidung Isong Udoessien of Ikot Akpa Edet and Eteidung John Effiong Essien of Aka Akpeme, numerous women and youth groups and the ecstatic stakeholders and natives of both communities. They showered praises on the council boss for ameliorating their plight and ending their over 40 years wait for government presence of any kind in their communities.

SOURCE: http://www.ibomreporters.com/eulogies-for-ikono-council-chair-as-he-inaugurates-market-stalls/