It had the panoply of being the mother of all rallies. From support groups to the resplendent uniforms, the various posters, the billboards, the flakes and flags carrying imposing photographs of Udom Emmanuel, the podium, the cacophony of songs and drumbeats, the size of the crowd all united to tell the story of a rally without a known parallel. It was the flag-off of Udom Emmanuel’s campaign for the governorship of Akwa Ibom State which election is scheduled to hold on February 28. From the day that event held that beautiful Friday 16, 2015, 43 days then to the belatedly awaited election, the people judging from the size of the crowd looked ready and willing to cast their votes for Udom, the man whose pedigree assures them of consolidation and continuity of the good things they are witnessing today.
The event enjoyed sufficient publicity. Television and radio jingles and news materials intimating the public of the epochal declaration blared from electronic equipment. Uyo Township Stadium lost its original visage to posters of different shapes and sizes all carrying pictures of Udom, some with his running mate, Mr. Moses Ekpo, PDP and fascinating slogans intended to give his candidacy mileage. The rally which was billed for about noon had most available spaces taken up as early as 10 o’clock. While groups with band entertained themselves with the people dancing with furious vitality, flags and flakes fluttered in the sky in a rhythmical fashion that acquiesced with the body gyrations of those holding them. It was a cathedral of colours that aped the mood of the occasion.
As the convoy of the executive governor of the State, His Excellency, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio rolled in at about 1:45pm, the crowd exploded in joy and excitement. The Master of Ceremony, elated by the overwhelming crowd stated that Akwa Ibom is a PDP State recalling that from 1999, the State has always cast its lots with the party citing the various percentages of votes it has given to PDP from 1999 to 2011. The excited Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem who shared the stage as a compere further stated that 2015 can not be different. He called on the Director-General of Udom Campaign organization, a former governor of the State, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga, (rtd), to present his welcome address to the mammoth crowd of mostly PDP faithful that thronged the venue.
Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga, a well trained Air Force Officer, cerebral scholar and eloquent speaker said that from the size of the crowd, he can afford to tell Udom to go and prepare for his swearing-in. He said that the people of the State have reason to take pride in their past which he represents as a past performing governor and the present which the current administration represents with an array of achievements to its credit. He charged the women whom he said are now key drivers in the process of governance to ask questions of what happened in the era of Buhari administration when they were in total exclusion and only confined to the kitchen and the enterprise of child bearing. The one time Head of the Presidential fleet warned that a digital problem can not be solved with an analogue solution advising the electorates to cast their votes for PDP, a party that is moving the nation in the direction of real development like the opening of Universities and the building of airports.
On the accusation of corruption in the PDP led administration by the opposition party, APC, the director-general of the campaign said that the Jonathan administration is tackling corruption through technological models like IPSA that would prevent corruption noting that conjecturing expanding Kirikiri is an outmoded method. Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga further stated that the PDP led administration has also strengthened extant institutions to make crime unattractive. He said that Udom Emmanuel represents astute economic management as he exemplified that in Zenith Bank where he rose to the peak pointing out that with the frightening spectre of low earning arising from dwindling oil prices, the State needs a prudent manager.
Senator Effiong Bob, a two term senator and notable politician in his goodwill message described Udom as an intelligent young man with the capacity of inspiring hope for the people. He took a swipe at those he said benefitted from the government of PDP and proceeded to take over power by force reminding them of what happened to Lucifer in the scripture. The political leader of Uyo Senatorial District who is said to have gone through most of the rungs of politics from counselor, council chairman, House of Assembly to senator thanked Akpabio for the uncommon transformation noting that when Udom assumes office, he would be called uncommon, uncommon, uncommon transformer because of the transformation climate he would inherit.
Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien in his remark asserted that PDP is the only party that can deliver Nigeria citing Akwa Ibom State as an example of a State that has been delivered from arrested development. He charged the people to vote for PDP concluding that Udom Emmanuel is a must to Akwa Ibom people who yearn for the continuity of the current development efforts of the Akpabio administration.
The Managing director of NDDC, Barrister Bassey Dan Abia who referred to Akpabio as Distinguished Senator of Equity said that he is happy to witness the blessed occasion despite his tight schedule. The former member of the State Executive Council traced the history of Udom’s return to the State noting that it was the Holy Spirit that led Governor Akpabio to invite Udom Emmanuel to serve as SSG. He drew a parallel with the case of David in the scripture adding that it is the same thing that is replicated in the case of Udom. The NDDC helmsmen advised the other contestants to sheathe their swords, return home and join hands to continue to elevate Akwa Ibom State.
In what gave the caveat of an Abuja mix, Senator Stella Omu, representing the Presidential campaign team was on hand to give a goodwill message on behalf of the observer group she led. She described Akpabio as the great commander of uncommon transformation noting that what she has seen is a confirmation that the State would deliver PDP 99 per cent. The Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi described the day figuratively as a continuation of light duly expressed in the participation of women in governmental affairs adding that through Akpabio, women have been pulled out of the farms, kitchen, even idleness. According to her, God having seen that to be beautiful has brought another brother with integrity for the continuation of that light. She charged the people to deliver Ebele Jonathan, Udom Emmanuel and all the PDP candidates as these would enable the women to go higher and higher.
An interlude of music was used to rid the boredom speeches upon speeches usually create. Even though the speeches at the event were made to toe the line of brevity to ensure the retention of excitement, the musical interlude was a refreshing perspective that engendered a renewal of the sense of participation of the supporters and party faithful. In a session which had the likes of kaycee, Pastor Goddy Goddy, Fadabasi, the people at the stadium were treated maximally to beautiful tunes. Kaycee made a very strong impression on the crowd as many responded via dance to his songs. Pastor Goddy Goddy who also did a creative song that embellished Udom Emmanuel’s sterling qualities and pedigree was also well received by the mammoth crowd.
The speeches resumed soon after with members of Akwa Ibom Entertainment Group speaking through one of their own, Mrs. Ini Ikpe Joe Etukudoh. She said that the body was at the event to endorse the candidature of Udom Emmanuel for the February 28 gubernatorial race. She lauded the administration of Chief Godswill Akpabio and pledged the group’s support for his succession plan.
Chief Ndueso Essien, a political leader of Eket, former member of the National Assembly and former minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in his goodwill message thanked the people of Akwa Ibom for delivering on their promise by nominating a son of Eket for governorship in 2015. He advised those who lost not to go to what he called Aggrieved People’s Party, APC stating that the PDP has the capacity to reward all its members. He further added that this time it would be “monkey work” monkey chop”. He also explained that PDP’s use of a former military man at the incipient stage of this democratic experience was to bridge the gap noting that after then it has been using civilians. He advised the electorates not to be railroaded into those dark days of voting for any former military ruler.
The Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Elder Sam Ikon said that nobody is better suited for the job of governor in 2015 than a man who has the pedigree of managing resources noting that Udom is the right man for the right job at the right time. Senator Anietie Okon said he had three questions to ask the people of Akwa Ibom stating that honest answers would make them not to take chances with a political party which changes its name routinely. The questions which he posed to the people were: Are you happy with the uncommon transformation? Are you happy to be uncommon people? Are you ready to trust your leader? The member of the National Caucus of the People’s Democratic Party affirmed that Akwa Ibom is PDP in body and soul.
Former deputy governor, His Excellency, Dr. Chris Ekpenyong, alias Ukarakpa who approached the podium amidst excitement from the crowd regaled the people with his speech and songs. The former deputy governor said he was thankful to Governor Akpabio for what he called uncommon knowledge and uncommon transformation adding that he was also thankful to him for the uncommon initiative and divine direction. Dr. Ekpenyong who was a director-general to one of the aspirants in the contest, Obong Benji Okoko affirmed that Udom was chosen by the party advising all true party faithful to vote for him.
A PDP Chieftain and an aspirant in the 2007 gubernatorial race that produced Governor Godswill Akpabio, Obong Bassey Inuayen thanked the governor for spotting the potential of Udom Emmanuel and bringing him out saying “We know he would be good for Akwa Ibom State” Obong Bassey used the opportunity to affirm his membership of PDP. Hear him “I am a PDP member; I remain PDP and would die PDP”. A Student Union Leader, Ubon Marcus eulogized Governor Akpabio saying that in his era, students have enjoyed a robust relationship with government. A former student union leader and currently special assistant to the governor on students’ matters who waxed philosophical said that there is no success without a successor. He reflected on the promise the governor made which was that he would hand over to a younger person and thanked him for keeping his words.
The array of speeches was again broken with an interlude of music this time with a very popular artiste, Davido. Davido after doing some tunes to the excitement of the crowd invited MC Galaxy, a son of the soil who did a popular tune, ‘Sekem’. The mood was celebrative as Governor Akpabio, went on stage to do the Sekem dance. This galvanized the crowd into ecstasy as they joined in the dance to express their love for the leadership of the State, the PDP and the incoming governor.
Governor Godswill Akpabio in his speech which was extempore said “we are celebrating achievement, not propaganda… I stand before you as a fulfilled governor” He thanked the people of the State for reposing their confidence in him and in PDP. Governor Akpabio chided the former governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chris Ngige over an indiscretional comment while attending an APC rally in the State. Senator Ngige is reported to have said while addressing the rally that even with the much vaunted uncommon transformation, the arrival hall of the airport was no more than a kitchen. Akpabio queried Ngige’s moral locus stating that he had nothing to point to during his period as governor. He said that God has done great things in the State and expressed gratitude to Him for using him to transform Akwa Ibom. The governor said that it is only PDP States that one notices real development citing the building of new airports in States like Kebbi, Jigawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom and Delta which are all PDP States.
The Chairman of the Party, Obong Paul Ekpo who presented flags to all the candidates of the party said there was no alternative to PDP. He enjoined all party faithful to work towards ensuring victory for the party at the elections pledging that the big umbrella would accommodate all interest. The governorship flag-bearer who had earlier received his flag at the flag-off of the PDP presidential rally in Lagos also brandished it for the people to see describing it as a flag of Unity. The governorship flag-bearer said “We are ready for consolidation and human focus development” noting that the flag represents unity, progress and development. He affirmed his intention to continue to make God the centre-piece of the affairs of the State stating that Akwa Ibom would not take over by labour but by favour. He identified economic modules that would be adopted for rapid prosperity. The governorship candidate said that the State would invest in agriculture as part of rapid growth stating that it takes four-months to harvest corn, six months to harvest rice and nine-months to harvest cassava. He said that his government would also create wealth through sports and entertainment. The accomplished banker said that the business of government is to create an investment climate hinting that his government would make finance available.
From the rally of January 15, reasonable and logical conclusions were drawn. The National President of Ibom Frontiers, a group founded to canvass support for Udom Emmanuel’s governorship bid. Elder Godwin Dan Akpan who shared his sentiments with yours truly expressed appreciation to Akwa Ibom people for seeing the truth and following the light. He said Udom represents hope and that identifying with him is an affirmation of the people’s faith in the State. His National Secretary, Mr. Godwin Dustan Akpan said that Udom Emmanuel’s emergence is not by University degree which he has but by God’s decree noting that degrees are just extra qualifications to complement the grace that has issued the divine mandate. Now is the time to seize an entitlement to the mandate by being part of it.