From Nsisong Morgan, Akwa Ibom
Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mr. Onofiok Luke, recently made public his intention to contest for Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubuim Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives next year.
Luke declared that he would be running for the seat during a consultation meeting with the state Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Paul Ekpo.
Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubuim Federal Constituency is currently being represented by Mr. Ikon Samuel.
Accompanied by members of his campaign committee, supporters and some statutory party delegates from the Federal Constituency, Luke said his decision to join the race was in response to calls by constituents, who urged him to vie for the seat in 2019 .
Luke, a two-term member of the state assembly, representing Nsit-Ubium constituency, told the party chairman that aside from enjoying the advantage of the existing zoning arrangement which favours Nsit-Ubium, to produce the next representative for the Federal constituency in 2019, he has got the capacity and legislative experience required to give the area an effective representation in the Green Chamber if voted into office.
He said: “My aspiration is coupled with the yearning and aspiration of the people of Etinan Federal Constituency, who want me to go and represent them. By 2019 you are going to hear a loud voice articulating the interest of Etinan Federal Constituency and the interest of Akwa Ibom in the National Assembly.”
He promised to use his position in the National Assembly to improve on the well being of the people of the Federal Constituency.
Presenting the Speaker to the party Chairman, Director -General of Amazing Grace Campaign Organization, Mr. Anietie Etuk, who is a former Speaker in the state House of Assembly described Luke’s aspiration as cherry news.
Etuk, a former Chapter Chairman of the PDP in Nsit Ibom said the Federal Constituency needs a vibrant candidate, adding that, Luke possesses the requisite political capacity to lead the party to victory in Etinan Federal Constituency.
“He is our son. Today, we believe that he should not end in the state, he should move forward to Abuja after completing his tenure in the House of Assembly. We need a vibrant man that will stand the storm during the election.
“We came to consult you and seek your consent for the Etinan Federal Constituency by informing you that we will be nominating the best candidate for the election”.
Others who spoke glowingly about the aspiration of the Speaker at the consultative meeting include, the Chairman, Assembly Service Commission, Mr. Andrew Unwanta who also double as Chairman, Advisory Council of the Campaign committee, Council Chairman of Nsit Ibom, Hon Eric who spoke on behalf of the Chairmen of the three local government areas in the federal constituency, former Chairman of Nsit-Ubium, Obonguwana, Essien Esema, Capt.
Iniobong Ekong, Leader of Etinan Legislature, Hon. Udofia who spoke on behalf of the other two Leaders of the legislature and all the councilors in the federal constituency. Others include, Mr. Joe Emah, who represented the youths, and Hon. Sarah Esit Ikot who spoke on behalf of the women in the federal constituency. They were unanimous in their endorsement of Luke for the House Representatives seat.
In his response, Ekpo commended Luke for the respect he has shown to the party as he is the first person to officially consult him on his aspiration. He informed that the party was re-positioning itself ahead of next year’s general election with a view of coming out victorious in the election.
Ekpo who is the Chairman of all State Chairmen of the party across the country, said the party will ensure that power devolves back to the people, explaining that in 2019, any politician seeking elective office in 2019 must be able to show strength in his unit, as it is the people who would choose their leaders.
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