Barr. Onofiok Luke.
• Luke consults PDP, Oku Ibom Ibibio
Abasifreke Effiong, Uyo
Barr. Onofiok Luke, member representing Etinan/Nsit Ubium/Nsit Ibom federal constituency, has said he will build on the development templates and legacies laid by former Governors of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the industrialisation agenda of Governor Udom Emmanuel.
Barr. Luke who is aspiring for the governorship of Akwa Ibom State officially consulted the leadership of the People’s Democratic Party in the state and the traditional rulers of his local government area, Nsit Ubium, led by HRM Nteyin Solomon Etuk, the Oku Ibom Ibibio, on Wednesday 9th March, about his ambition.
He said he had prepared for an opportunity to be the Governor of the state, and had carefully identified needs of different communities in the State, as such he will ensure that there is no “dislocation in development” started by the past leaders of the State.
“I have been incubated in the leadership womb of this State for 15 years. I have interfaced with all strata of the State and her people; I know their challenges. With this exposure, I know the needs of the women, the youths and students.”
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“I have in the last 10 years carefully collated the specific needs of our communities and they have formed part of my social contract.”
Barr. Luke said he will prioritise the development of human capacity in areas such as agriculture, entrepreneurship , aviation and maritime, where the state has competition advantage.
He emphasised that the State under his leadership will raise a pool of qualified manpower with required competence to compete in the new industrialised economy that is emerging in the State.
“We have built infrastructure in this state, we will continue to build on infrastructure but we have to build people. We will build the capacity of our young men and women to match the human capacity needs.”
“Akwa Ibom is largely rural and agrarian community, to close the economic gap between our people and the enormous infrastructural development we have already, the next phase of industrialisation will be agro-based and value chain development. We will build more commodity hubs, we are going to make effective use of existing hubs and increase it across the state to ensure that our people have value for their agro produce.”
The lawmaker said he is passionate about primary healthcare development and has developed a template that will guarantee accessibility and affordability of healthcare services in rural communities.
RELATED STORY: 2023: PDP delegates in Akwa Ibom endorse Onofiok Luke for governorship
While appealing for the Party’s support, as well as the blessings of the traditional institution, Barr. Luke, said he will run an inclusive government.
• We know you as a committed party man – PDP Chairman
Receiving the aspirant at the Party secretariat in Uyo, state chairman of the PDP, Mr. Aniekan Akpan, who served alongside Barr. Luke, in the House of Assembly between 2011-2015, said Luke is a committed party man.
“You are a founding member of the party. We know you as a committed party man. The party appreciates you.”
While encouraging Barr. Luke and his supporters to go on with their consultations and campaigns with decorum and decency, Mr. Akpan said the party is opened to every aspirant to express himself.
• I am impressed at your plans for Akwa Ibom – Nteyin Etuk
Earlier, the Paramount Ruler of Nsit Ubium, Nteyin Solomon Etuk, said he was impressed at the depth of plans for the state reeled out by Barr. Luke.
“Having listened to you and members of your team, I am impressed at your speeches. I am happy to say that you have shown a high level of maturity by comporting and conducting yourselves in a manner deserving my commendation. This is what is expected of public office holders.”
“You are young, dynamic and energetic man, full of zeal and enthusiasm to offer leadership to the people. God has endowed you with these qualities, and I urge you to maximize them wisely.”
Nteyin Etuk advised Barr. Luke and his team to keep their campaigns in a manner of “polite political communication devoid of hate speeches and hate messages.”
Meanwhile, Barr. Luke, has hinted that a full blueprint for his governorship will be unveiled on Wednesday 16th March 2022 at the Ibom hall grounds. He donated N5 million for the completion of the auditorium at the PDP secretariat in the State.
