The leadership and members of the Arewa community in Akwa Ibom State have pledged to deliver bloc votes for the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Pastor Umo Eno, and his running mate, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, ahead of the 2023 general election.
They made the pledge at a grand endorsement rally, on Thursday, in Uyo, the state capital.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman, Arewa People’s Assembly, Mr Emmanuel Ogbole, said the community which is a conglomeration of Northerners from the 19 Northern states in Nigeria living in Akwa Ibom, decided to file behind Pastor Umo Eno’s aspiration, as they have found him worthy in character and capacity to succeed Governor Emmanuel in 2023.
“We, members of the Arewa Community in Akwa Ibom State are solidly behind you. I am standing as collateral, surety and guarantor to assure you that we will deliver bloc votes for you and all the candidates of the PDP.
“This is a cross-section of the Arewa Community from 19 Northern states in Nigeria, across religious and cultural affiliations. We have come here today to attest to the fact that we have found you capable because we can attest to your competency, character and personality and competency. You are an accomplished entrepreneur. We know you as a detribalised Nigerian.
“We have mobilised our people already to vote for you. We know that with the complete agenda of His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel, by the time you become Governor in 2023, Akwa Ibom will become the Dubai of Africa.”
In his remarks, the Sarkin Hausawa, Alhaji Sadauki who also doubles as Chairman, of Akwa Ibom State Council for Islamic Affairs, said the Muslim Community in the State were confident in Umo Eno’s capacity and would vote accordingly to ensure his victory at the polls.
He added, “We believe that by having you at the helm of affairs in the State, the bond of unity between the Muslim Community in Akwa Ibom and our hosts would deepen”.
Others who spoke in support of Umo Eno’s candidacy included, Deputy Sarkin Hausa, Alhaji Mohamed Ajawaji, Deputy State Imam, Mallam Ya’haya, the Sarkin Hausawa of Eket, Alhaji Ibrahim Iliya, Mrs Deborah Usman who spoke for the Women, affirmed their resolve to mobilize support for across board for the victory of the PDP in the forthcoming election.
Reacting, the PDP governorship candidate, Pastor Umo Eno, thanked the Arewa Community for endorsing his ambition and promised to run an all-inclusive administration and protect their interest once elected as Governor come 2023.
He commended members of the Arewa Community for living peacefully in the state, and contributing to the development of the state, enjoining them to maintain the tempo, and cautioned against engaging in acts capable of undermining the peace being enjoyed in the state.
