REP. UKPONG-UDO GATHERS SUPPORT ACROSS PARTY LINES AHEAD OF 2023…. APC chieftains endorse his candidature, Ini Monarchs offer royal blessings
….redeems NGN4.5 million pledge at Ini LGA
The member representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency at the National Assembly who is also the standard flag bearer of the Youth Progressive Party (YPP) for the Federal Constituency seat, Rep. Emmanuel Ukpong-udo, today received a massive boost to his chances at the polls next year. This follows the endorsement of his candidature by stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ini Local Government Area of the constituency.
Ukpong-udo, while on inter-party consultations and collaborations to Ini Local Government Area, was assured of the unflinching support of the APC by the spokesperson for the party chieftains, Barr. James Ndem. Barr. Ndem noted that they were not ingrates nor enemies of progress who would thwart the sincere effort of a sprouting leader whose intention is to develop the area and empower the women and youths with life touching projects. He noted that the lawmaker had surpassed his predecessors in all ramifications, after having assessed Ukpong-udo’s performances and track records.
Continuing, Ndem recounted numerous indigenes of Ikono/Ini who have benefited from his benevolence>he urged the Federal House Member not to be deterred by detractors whose stock in trade is to blackmail and spread unfounded speculations about zoning, adding that such act is a primitive campaign for people who lack electoral capacity and people – oriented manifestos to win the minds of electorates.
Speaking, Rep. Ukpong-udo restated his avowed resolution to embrace all his constituents, irrespective of the political party affiliation.
He pointed out that after election comes governance, and promised an all-inclusive governance without discrimination. He called for synergy that will ensure a landslide victory which in return will bring dividends and succour to the people.
In a related development later in the day, Rep Ukpong-udo also received royal blessings from the Traditional Rulers Council from Ini extraction whom he visited to intimate of his re-election bid in next year’s elections. The event took place at the palace of the newly installed Paramount Ruler of Ini, His Royal Highness, Edidem Udoette Edom, in kari, where all the Clan and Village Heads were present to receive their worthy son.
Addressing the royal fathers, Ukpong-udo disclosed that there has been an equal distribution of dividends to the two sister Local Governments in the areas of empowerment, infrastructure and employment. He also stated that every ward in Ikono/Ini ihas been carried along in the scheme of welfare packages. He also disclosed that wide consultation with the stakeholders of Ikono/Ini brought bout his decision to move to another party to continue in service to the people.
The Traditional Ruler of Ini LGA, His Royal Majesty, Edidem udoette Edom responded that the Ukpong-udo’s explanation has refuted and countered the purported claim which made the rounds that the lawmaker insulted the governor. He likened the 2023 race to two hunters who hunts for same wildlife, but fortune shines on one and therefore offered royal blessings to Rep. Ukpong-Udo, praying God to shine his countenance on the lawmaker.
Other speakers at the ceremony included Hon. (Chief) Friday Ekikor who asserted that “generosity is an innate gift, an uncommon virtue, which the lawmaker possesses. Obong Emmanuel Uta, Village head of Mbiabong Ikot Emian, in his speech, eulogized the lawmaker for his people – centric leadership, adding that his Leadership dexterity has superseded others who were there before him and appealed to the lawmaker to attract Government Agency for the construction of their dilapidated roads which has claimed many lives.
