The people of Ediene I Ward 9 in Ikono Local Government Area, have expressed their satisfaction with the leadership of Rep. Emmanuel Ukpong-udo, the member representing Ikono-Ini Federal Constituency at the National Assembly.
This call was made during the ongoing Ward-to-Ward thank you visit of the Constituency by the Lawmaker, tagged “Macaire in your Community” on Saturday 21 October 2023.
Rep. Ukpong-udo and his entourage were on ground at the Ward Centre Government Primary school, Aka Ekpeme Mbat where they met with a tumultuous crowd of party faithfuls, Royal fathers, clerics, women, supporters and indigenes of the community.
Addressing the gathering, Ukpong-udo noted with pleasure the number of votes he polled from the Ward against his expectation.
He appreciated the people for not dwelling on party sentiments in offering their support, but for opting for credibility in their choice, having realized what the present and future generation of Ikono and Ini stands to benefit.
“With a grateful heart, I must emphasize that in the annals of Ikono politics, Ediene I Ward 9 has never turned up the number of votes I got due to poor mobilization and lack of interest in the election process. However, for my sake, you went the extra mile to return me to office with such magnitude of votes,” he remarked.
Rep Ukpong-udo lauded the people for acknowledging his selfless leadership, and pledged to be focused towards rewarding those who reposed their confidence on him. In line with this, about 2000 members of the Ward received cash grants, drawn from the Lawmaker’s salary and entitlements for the next two years which he has decided to devote to empowering the people.
The Director General, Mkpoikana-Abasi Campaign Organization, Barr. Edet Inyangidim expressed his satisfaction for the overwhelming support the campaign team enjoyed fro the area and hinted that Rep. Ukpong-udo’s success was God’s manifestation and a signal that the voice of the people are stronger.
He called for maximum support to ensure the success of his administration.
The Young Progressives Party (YPP) Ikono Chapter Chairman, Pst. Idongesit Nyong conveyed the unanimous decision of the party and all the faithful supporters to be resolute in remain committed and steadfast in their support for Rep. Ukpong-udo, even beyond 2027.
The Ward chairman, Mr Donald Bassey, appreciated the lawmaker for the timely fulfillment of his campaign promises against the wishes of doubting thomases.
Mr George Okon, the ward co-ordinator of Macaire Grassroot Movement (MGM) who spoke on behalf of the the 17 unit co-ordinators, thanked God for the Lawmaker’s success and pledged unwavering support for their worthy representative.
Also speaking, the Director of Campaigns, Hon. Dickson Abasiekong, appreciated God for the success the party recorded in the first attempt, disclosing the party’s resolve to embark on another fruitful journey come 2027.
The Political leader of Ikono, Mr Sunday Udofia (aka Owobros), described Rep. Ukpong-udo as a global citizen who is qualified without limitations to contest election beyond Ikot Ekpene senatorial district, noting that the elders of Ikono-Ini Federal Constituency are proud to identify with him and ready to push him to greater leadership heights.
The Secretary, Mkpoikana-Abasi Campaign Organization, Barr. O. B. Akpan, acknowledged God’s benevolence and the contribution of all to the success of the 2023 general elections, urging indigenes of Ediene to hold Rep. Ukpong-udo in high esteem as he remains the hope of Ikono-Ini who will salvage the area from its long-standing lack of purposeful leadership.
