Emmanuel’s Show of Strength
In a move designed essentially to balance whatever threat that Akpabio’s defection constituted to the chances of the PDP in the state especially, his rally, the PDP too had immediately announced a formal endorsement rally to honour Emmanuel.
Tagged ‘Eket Senatorial District Mega Endorsement Rally’, the event for Emmanuel has been scheduled to hold tomorrow, Monday, August 20, at the Onna Township Stadium, the same venue as Akpabio.
The Media and Publicity sub-committee jointly headed by member of Mkpat Enin state constituency, Hon. Otobong Ndem, and Mr Ekerete Udoh, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, stated that the occasion would be chaired by Sir Etim Okpoyo, former Deputy Governor of the state.
“Among reasons cited for the celebration of the Governor by his senatorial district are his ingenuity, which has led to numerous industries, job opportunities, free education with WAEC fees, stability in power supply, improved healthcare delivery, affordable and sufficient food supply and security, and lots more,” read the statement.
Recall that the Ikot Ekpene and Uyo senatorial districts had recently rallied support in separate endorsement ceremonies, where Emmanuel was unanimously put up for a second term.
However, ahead of tomorrow’s rally, women in their thousands and drawn from the three senatorial district, last week, marxhed through the streets of Uyo, the state capital in support of Emmanuel’s re-election.
The women, who sported different traditional attires, sand and danced around the streets before berthing at the Government House, where they declared loyalty and support for Emmanuel and also vowed to mobiloise support for him, while at the same time throwing shades at Akpabio.
The current power standing in the state would put to serious work, the strengths and weaknesses of both leaders, more so that the difference in the voting capacity of their people is about one hundred thousand. As a result and because the state is traditionally PDP’s, Akpabio has to first double his efforts with a view to leveling up before he is able to duel competitively with the governor.
Indeed, there is a general admission amongst the people and analysts alike that Akpabio’s defection might have made Emmanuel’s re-election much easier than it could have been as well as further entrench the foothold of the PDP in the state.
But whilst such remains in the realm of speculation, there is every opportunity for this extrapolation on both sides to be brought up to reality and that opportunity would be made possible during next year’s general election.