PEOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirants in Akwa Ibom State Umo Eno has spoken of his plans to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and reposition agriculture if picked as candidate and elected into office.
The aspirant promised to give SMEs, which he described as engine room of even the advanced and developed economies and agriculture, major roles as employers of labour.
He also promised to enthrone the sustainability of the prevailing peace built by Governor Udom Emmanuel has built in the State to be sustained.
Eno spoke after his endorsement by federal lawmakers from the state.
“Stand by me, give me your shoulders so that I can ride on your shoulders. My aspiration is not an ambition but a calling to serve. With your support we will make Akwa Ibom State better”, he urged the State Caucus in the National Assembly.
The lawmakers endorsed him for the May 21 party primary and the 2023 governorship election.
His endorsement followed a motion moved by the member representing Itu/Ibiono Federal Constituency, Henry Archibong and seconded by the member representing Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon Nsikak Ekong, during a meeting at the Abuja residence of Senator Akon Eyakenyi.
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The National Media Director of the Maintain Peace Movement (MPM)/Umo Eno Campaign Organisation, Anietie Usen, dropped the hint in a statement in Abuja yesterday.
Usen said the lawmakers hinged their support for Eno on his integrity, entrepreneurial accomplishments and strong belief in inter-governmental collaboration and partnership to complete ongoing projects of Governor Udom Emmanuel and sustain the much need peace and serenity in Akwa Ibom State.
He said the Abuja parley saw 10 out of the 13 members of the caucus in attendance and witnessed by frontline politicians and former lawmakers of Akwa Ibom origin, including Senator Effiong Bob, Senator Ibok Essien and Senator Aloysius Etok, among others.
Senator Chris Ekpenyong, who was indisposed, sent his goodwill and solidarity message through Senator Eyakenyi.
Addressing the Caucus, Pastor Eno thanked the lawmakers for their support and solidarity, attributing his choice as successor to Governor Udom Emmanuel a product of God’s grace and not his political strength and know-how.
He said: “I am humbled by the calibre of people here. I thanked God who found me through His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel. The job ahead of us going into the next phase is very crucial.
“We must be able to convert our State assets into job creation to stem the tide of unemployment. The general national unemployment figures are not looking good. In Akwa Ibom State, agriculture will serve as the low hanging fruits that will create quick impact which must be explored.
“I am offering myself to provide service. I am ready for a public debate with any other aspirant on job creation with specifics on timelines for implementation.
“I do not know everything. I am not one of those who know it all. That is why I will need your advice and support. You need a governor that you can advise, who will listen to you and who will respect you.
“I will create a partnership that works between the executive branch of government and the legislature for the good of our people.”
The Umo Eno Campaign Organisation Director-General, Ambassador Assam Assam (SAN), described the endorsement by any caucus as a great political capital in any democracy.
“You are not just representing the people. You are speaking for the people. Today, we stand at a threshold of history. Akwa Ibom Caucus has done well and would have done more if the country had a PDP government at the centre,” Assam said.