Former Speaker of Akwa-Ibom House of Assembly and member House of Representatives, representing Etinan/ Nsit Ibom/ Nsit Ubium Federal Constituency, Honourable Onofiok Luke has formally declared interest in the governorship ticket of the People’s Democratic Party.
Addressing the party faithful at the elaborate event held at Ibom Hall in Uyo, the state capital, the aspirant promised to build on the achievements of the incumbent governor, Udom Emmanuel and the previous administrations before him.
He said:”I intend to use my wealth of experience as a public sector administrator, a lawyer, and an advocate of good governance to serve this state by bringing government closer to the people for socio-economic development, and to reposition Akwa Ibom State for greater prosperity under the theme of Building Together, Growing Together..
“My objective is to rally the abundant human resources towards building a vibrant and diverse economy in Akwa Ibom State, while leveraging our infrastructural development and active youthful population to create jobs and provide visionary and selfless leadership to consolidate on the gains of past and present administrations.
“We have been blessed with good leaders who have contributed in great measure towards the development of the State, with transformative projects and progressive policies in areas such as Agriculture, Education, and Infrastructure etc.
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“One example of such transformative policies is the area of education, free and compulsory education program, which was initiated by the administration of his Excellency Governor Godswill Obot Akpabio and sustained by the administration of Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel with the aim of improving access to the education for young people.
“Our state’s Aviation development is another example in this regard. The Victor Attah International was initiated by Governor Victor Attah. The airport was built by Governor Godswill Akpabio whose administration landed the first plane and commence commercial activities. Governor Udom has since continue with this vision leading to the bedding of an airline-Ibom Air and the implementation of various improvement at the airport and today effort is being made towards the completion of the MRO.
“Today, Ibom Air is the envy of other airline operators, and a symbol of the innovation and willpower that Akwa Ibom State possesses. This is evidence of the synergy and continuity in policy implementation that has existed in our state, and that is why, We intend to also continue building upon the achievements of previous and present administrations, add our own initiatives, all aimed at positioning us for a broad-based prosperity. These policies continuity, adaption and improvement can also be seen in the deep sea port development and in the agricultural sector etc.”
Honourable Luke who christened his blueprint, Building Together, Growing Together through the Power of Conviction maintained that successive administrations have done well in terms of provision of social infrastructures however noted that it was time to build the average Akwa-Ibom citizen and empower them with the skills to compete with their peers not only in the country but globally.
“Dear Akwa Ibom people, we have built roads and the infrastructure built has opened up our dear state and brought opportunities. It is now time to build our people.
“The clarion call of my campaign is Building Together and Growing Together. If we are going to build together then we must grow together. That was an important lesson that our mother taught us. She never left any of my siblings behind. And what does it mean? It means nobody will be left behind!
“Today I unveil my social contract with you title building together growing together. I want to assure you that I am fully prepared for the task of serving you and building the Akwa Ibom of our dreams, and I intend to hit the ground running when given the opportunity.”
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