Barr. Onofiok Luke, member representing Etinan/Nsit Ubium/Nsit Ibom federal constituency.
By Abasifreke Effiong
Barr. Onofiok Luke, member representing Etinan/Nsit Ubium/Nsit Ibom federal constituency, says the administration after Governor Udom Emmanuel, must continue with the industrialisation and implementation of the State’s 10 years education road map.
Barr. Luke said to tackle the rising challenge of unemployment and low revenue, the next administration must support the growth of existing industries and promote a business-friendly environment that will attract more investments.
“One of the greatest things Governor Udom Emmanuel, has done is industrialisation. If we were able to attract one industry in each five years before 2015, the whole State would have been filled up with industries by now. So, I respect the man who has brought so many industries into the State within six years plus.”
“The next administration must sustain the ongoing industrialisation of our State. The administration will have to consult with all our past leaders, Obong Victor Attah, Senator Godswill Akpabio and others in our development of the State.”
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The federal lawmaker said the actualisation of the Ibom deep seaport will stimulate industrialisation, enhance the economy and landscape of the State, hence all hands must be on deck towards realisation of the project.
“I have made calls to our brothers from Oro, I have also spoken to the State government on the issues arising from the siting of the Ibom seaport project. Oro people want to be listened to, we have to listen to them. No matter what happens, let the seaport be sited in Akwa Ibom and the entire landscape of the State will improve.”
Barr. Luke who said this during a parley with the Congress of Former Legislators in Akwa Ibom State, stressed that the next administration must help young entrepreneurs in the state have access to funds.
“The current administration has trained the youths on different skill sets and enterprise development through the Dakkada entrepreneurship programmes. When the next administration comes in it must help these youths who have acquired different skills get access to funds.”
Barr. Onofiok Luke has supported many start-ups in areas of ICT development, agric value-chain, arts development and mental health.
While urging the Congress to continue to pray for peace in the State and the smooth transition of Governor Udom Emmanuel in 2023, Barr. Luke dispelled rumour that he is seeking a second term in the House of Representatives.
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The lawmaker disclosed that he is interested in the governorship of the State and will declare his intent officially in due time.
“I will throw my hat into the ring for the governorship race. I am not coming to be negotiated. I am not seeking a second term in the House of Representatives. I cannot aim at the Moon and land on the stars.”
“I appeal to all of you to pray to God, tell God to look at my heart, if He finds that I have a better plan for the State, He should make me the Governor but if He finds someone else with a better heart for the development of our State, God should make that person the Governor”, Luke added.
Barr. Onofiok Luke is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association and a life bencher, a former Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, a foremost student leader, an advocate for disability rights, and a vanguard of participatory budgeting and fiscal transparency.
