27/01/2023
EKET YPP WARD-TO-WARD GOVERNORSHIP CAMPAIGN (Phase 2) (Central 5, Urban 1, Okon 1&2)
* OBA Promises Infratructural Renaissance; Resolution of Boundary Disputes With Other LGAs.
* To Reactivate Abandoned 500 Units Housing Project; Completion of all Abandoned Roads.
* Resuscitation of Qua River Hotel to Boost Hospitality and Tourism.
The government of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) has promised an unprecedented infrastructural renaissance in the entire Eket Local Government, through a special purpose programme christened Operation Basic Amenities (OBA).
This will include the resuscitation of hospitality and tourism facilities like Qua River Hotel; inauguration of new roads construction and completion of all abandoned ones; revamping of healthcare centres within one kilometre radius; reactivation of the forsaken 500 units housing project, among others.
Above formed the core of promises made by the gubernatorial candidate of YPP, Senator Bassey Albert - OBA, CON on January 27, 2023, while addressing supporters during the second phase of the YPP governorship campaign in Central 5, Urban 1; Okon 1&2 wards of Eket Local Government Area.
OBA, who virtually addressed the crowd, vowed to speedily complete the urban renewal of Eket Township, which has taken almost eight years under the current government, without appreciable progress.
The frontline gubernatorial contender decried the conspicuous infrastructural deficit in Eket and assured the locals that his government will ensure the completion of the International Market, as well as construction of new Urua Nka and Fiong Etok markets demolished by the Udom Emmanuel-led government.
Corroborating her husband's plans for Eket, Pastor (Mrs.) Imaobong Nkeiru Bassey Albert, said OBA's administration will benefit all, irrespective of social status or background. She explained that her husband's programme of Operation Basic Amenities (OBA) is aimed at providing the rural areas with basic necessities of life.
Mrs. Albert said her husband's administration will group women into cooperatives and empower them with funds to do their businesses, while the youths will be engaged through scholarships and skills acquisition to have a meaningful life. She specifically promised a special attention for the education, health and tourism sectors.
While expressing sadness over the condition of the communities and their people, Mrs Albert urged them to reject those who have subjected them to the current suffering and should vote wisely for YPP.
"My heart is heavy. I am so sad with what I have seen today. It is disappointing. It is said that charity begins at home. We can recount how this government came into power. It came to power due to equity and fairness. My husband stepped down for a son of this area, but how can a governor be from here and you have this kind of roads? The YPP came here just like it had gone to other communities to interact with the people. Obong Bassey Albert's administration will give the people effective representation. We don't need to campaign here. You have seen it, you have lived it and you have felt. You cannot be deceived anymore. If a government can do this to you, and later go again to bring another man to let the suffering continue...you need to say no. My dear husband will finish every unfinished road and ensure that all communities feel the presence of good governance", she said.
Chief (Mrs.) Janet Amba, wife of deputy governorship candidate, who expressed shock at the condition of roads, particularly in Odio area, said it was time for them to reason together and vote YPP in order to move forward.
According to her, the only sure way forward towards good governance is for them to use their voter’s cards to elect OBA and all YPP candidates. Mrs Amba then submitted that the PDP government which brought tears to Odio people deserves to be rejected at the ballot during elections.
Buttressing the above speakers, Apostle Nyeneime Andy, the state party chairman, said it takes a humane prospective governor to visit an interior community like Odio, for instance, to ascertain their problems so he would know how to solve them.
He assured that one of the first projects OBA's government will do will be to construct the deplorable Odio road and urged them to keep safe their voters' cards and vote for OBA and other Young Progressives Party candidates.
While setting tone for the rally, Director General of Akwa Ubok Abasi Campaign Organization, Pastor Sunny Ibuot condemned the neglect of the Odio people in Eket.
He said it was an act of shame for a government to abandon its citizens just to wake on election eves to start sharing N10,000 in exchange for voter’s cards.
Earlier, in his welcome speech, chairman of Akwa Ubok Abasi in Eket, Rt.(Hon) Jack Udoata regretted the wasted years of the PDP government that has repeatedly lied about the road.
He decried the marginalisation of Odio, Okon as well as other parts of Eket, adding that the only party with hope for the people is YPP Akwa Ibom state, given its programmes.
Other speakers, including Obonganwan Lucy Akwa, Obonganwan Lizzy Essien, Comrade Eno Sunday and Elder Friday Akpanekpo, Chief Bassey Itauma, Amb. Gospel Edoho YPP Chapter Chairman, all condemned the infrastructural neglect in Eket and urged all to vote for YPP with an assurance of all-inclusive and people-focused governmence.
