2023 Elections: ‘Your decisions as delegates will not only shape the future of the state…’ Owodiong tells Chapter Chairs

A governorship aspirant on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, Obong Ide Owodiong Idemeko, has concluded his consultation to the 31 chapter chairmen of PDP in the state with an appeal that they put the interest of the state above other considerations while voting in the near party primaries.

In an event held yesterday at the state party headquarters, Atan Offot, Uyo, the governorship hopeful in an emotion-laden voice told the chairmen that their decision as delegates will not only shape the future of the state but the destiny of their children.

According to Owodiong,“ your votes at the May 21st PDP primaries will determine the future of this state and that of our children, you must vote a leader with capacity and wealth of experience to move the state forward.

“The future resides in your hands as delegates, my vision for our great state covers 19 areas as encapsulated in my governorship blueprint, ranging from massive infrastructural development, human capacity development, massive agriculture, and food sufficiency, education, healthcare, security, sports development among others”.

He emphasized that there will be total revamping of the educational sector with massive upgrading of the existing infrastructures, improving curriculum, and enhancing of teachers’ capacities to add value to students and pupils.

He said that the healthcare system will not only be upgraded but made functional with the provision of a primary healthcare system in every ward in the state.

“There will be a strong focus in the healthcare system and we will use the wards to deliver it. There must be accessible primary healthcare facilities within every five minutes drive in our state.

“I have had a broad experience starting from being a lecturer in a university to sitting in various leadership positions in ExxonMobil, I have been a student leader and renowned sports administrator with Mobil Pegasus Club.

“I have international contacts; I have lived and worked in Europe and America with my wife.I will ensure your relevance continues beyond my election by seeking your opinion and contributions to the governance of our dear state.

“Some of you will also be deeply involved in my administration. There must be a serious synergy between my government and the party structure.

“I have said in many quarters that the local government should not be an appendage of the state government and I insist there should be legislative, judicial autonomy and local government councils inclusive.

“We can successfully practice true democracy when there is the separation of powers, checks, and balances. It will happen in my time as your Governor.

“There is city development authority concept in my blueprint. I will strategically and tactically push infrastructural development out of Uyo by building nine additional growth centers across the state. There will be development authorities to take care of the nine development centers. In each, there will be a chairman appointed by the governor and nine secretaries appointed from the Ministry of Housing and urban planning, and all the Council chairmen within a federal constituency will be members in addition to professionals from development-related fields who will contribute to the overall development of the areas working in synergy with the governor.

“This will halt the ongoing massive migration from rural to urban areas. This plan is novel and it will be happening in my time”.

Owodiong said he is deeply committed to the sustenance of our hard-earned democracy and urged Akwa Ibomites known for their republican disposition to close ranks and ensure that through democracy, a new crop of capable leaders will emerge in 2023 to lift the state higher.

Speaking on behalf of the 31 chapter Chairmen, the Chairman of Chairmen Hon. (Elder) Eddy Etang Nkanga described Ide Owodiong as a committed party man and renowned philanthropist who has touched humanity through his individual efforts.

According to him, “The party appreciates you for donating a standard party office to your ward. You are a real party man and with your antecedents, you can do any job given to you better. You also have a good heart. ‘We will give you and all aspirants equal opportunity to express their visions. We must ensure a level playing ground for all. We wish you success at the poll and don’t forget us when God lifts you up”.