It was a carnival-like reception for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Akwa Ibom Northwest Senatorial District, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday when his campaign train berthed in Ukanafun.
In a statement, his Chief Press Secretary, Jackson Udom said explained to the paramount ruler of Ukanafun, Amos Daniel Akpan that his desire to represent the constituency at the Senate borders on the development and progress of the district.
The former governor, the statement added, had arrived at the palace of the paramount ruler with his wife, Mrs Unoma Akpabio, after a brief stopover at Utu Nsekhe village, the community of his PDP counterpart, Emmanuel Enoidem.
Akpabio recalled how he ensured the development of the area when he was governor, through the award of contracts for the construction of roads, only for the contract to be diverted to another place by an indigene of the area.
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He promised to ensure that the diverted road is constructed and commissioned for use as soon as he is sworn in as their senator in June.
He told the teeming supporters at the palace that what is wrong with what is playing out in the senatorial district is attempting to put a square peg in a round hole, cautioning them against such a decision because it would set the district several steps backwards.
Akpabio said his visit to the traditional rulers was just to thank them for their support and decision to vote for him based on performance, credibility, capability and acceptance across party lines which he represents, assuring them that the mistakes of the past in which very few individuals who were in his government cornered government patronages for themselves and their families, would never happen again.
The statement reads: “I empowered them when they were in my government but they didn’t allow it to trickle down the ladder and today, they are using that same money to fight and insult me on a daily basis in the media. One thing we don’t condone in Annang land is the younger ones insulting their elders, and I know you will reply to them with your votes that would send me to the Senate.”
In his response, the paramount ruler thanked the former governor for, according to him and his council members, the honour of visiting them to intimate them of his senatorial ambition before attending his party’s rally in his domain. He prayed for the success and safety of the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and his entourage, as they go around the district for votes.
He said: “The Lord that sees your heart and intentions towards your people, will grant you, your heart desires to enable you fulfil all your promises to the people.”
At the rally venues, the APC senatorial candidate said he was not surprised with the sea of heads at the two venues, adding, “I am here today in Ukanafun to say thank you for all your support for me in the past and the one you have already assured me of, on the 25th of this month.
“This is me, your son, your brother and your friend, Godswill Akpabio. Your uncommon governor who turned boys into men, who declared free and compulsory education, who built the airport, who built the Godswill Akpabio International stadium, who constructed the Etim Ekpo road which had been cut off from other parts of the state for over 40 years. This is me, give me your votes again and see me turn your life around for good.”