A contender for the governorship of Akwa Ibom State, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke has promised massive human capital development in the state, if elected as Governnor in 2023.
Luke, currently serving as representative of Etinan Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, made the declaration when he led members of his campaign organization and supporters to the Ikot Ukobo, Nsit Ubium palace of His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr) Solomon Etuk, the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General, Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, to formally intimate him and council of his ambition.
Luke, who is running on the platform of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), declared that the state, having invested heavily in infrastructure, should invest heavily in building her people in all ramifications so they would be able to utilize the dividends of present infrastructure and industries as well as the ones to come in the coming years.
He noted that as an active participant in the political governance of the state in the last 15 years coupled with his understanding of the salient problems of the state, Akwa Ibom people stand to benefit greatly from his administration.
"Why do I want to run? I have been incubated in the leadership womb of this state in the last 15 years. I have served this state. I've criss-crossed the different communities of this state, I've interfaced with every strata of the Akwa Ibom society, and I understand their problem. We have built infrastructure and we will continue to invest in infrastructure, now is the time to build people. We need to build the capacity of our young men and women," he said.
According to him, his agenda is anchored on the foundation set by successive administrations since 1999, maintaining that the two successive administrations after the Obong Victor Attah's administration, to a large extent, sustained the policies of that administration.
"In 1999, Obong Victor Attah knew that we are a poor, agrarian state, he brought in construction companies like ZEROK, Mothercart, RCC and others to open up the state, he conceptualized seaport, conceptualized airport, started free and compulsory education. He had a master plan, and successive administrations have come to work with that blueprint. Chief Godswill Akpabio came in, he continued the economic agenda. He brought in Julius Berger, Stemco, CCECC, and even our indigenous companies, SEYANG, BENEST and others. Developed the airport and landed the first aircraft, did the Integrated Farmers Scheme, looked into the seaport, expanded the free education, upgraded Akwa Ibom State University of Technology to Akwa Ibom State University, did inter ministerial jobs, and other laudable projects and policies."
The federal legislator applauded Governor Udom Emmanuel for sustaining the legacies of previous administrations through industrialization, development of infrastructure and engendering of peace.
He listed some of Emmanuel's legacies to include food sufficiency programmes, full approval for takeoff of seaport, Ibom Air, inter ministerial projects among others.
On 2023, Luke, stated that "anyone who wants to govern the state must have time to x-ray plans for the development of the state", and announced that his blueprint is ready.
"My blueprint is ready. It is ready to be unveiled on March 16,2022. It is titled "Building together, growing together." I have written it for over 10 years, I've not gathered people to write for me. No one has the monopoly of wisdom, I've welcomed inputs from Akwa Ibom people at home and Diaspora."
He further hinted that his blueprint has covered all areas of needs of the state.
His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Etuk, in his response to Luke, declared that he was "happy to say that you have shown a high level of maturity by comporting and conducting yourself in a manner deserving my
my commendation," adding that "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. Always, let the spirit of God lead your footsteps
into taking decisions that will be in the best interest of your community, Akwa
Ibom State and humanity as a whole.
"You are aspiring to occupy a very sensitive elective position in the country, I
urge you and members of your team to continue in this manner of polite
political communication devoid of hate speeches and hate campaign messages
throughout your campaigns," he further advised.
"My palace remains open to all the aspirants at all times. I am not partisan and will never be. My duty is to pray for you and give you royal blessings," he assured.
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