A'Ibom Council Election: Ini Youths Adopt Umah As Chairmanship Candidate
From Imoh ESSIEN (Uyo)
Ini local local government youths in Akwa Ibom state have officially adopted Hon. Inibehe Umah, the Transition Committee Chairman, as their preferred candidate for the upcoming 2024 council polls.
The youths adopted Umah on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, during the consultation and formal presentation of Hon. Umah to the member representing Ini State Constituency, Hon. Lawrence Udoide, and the Honourary Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Projects, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Bassey.
Speaking at event held at the residence of Ini lawmaker, Hon. Udoide, the Vice Chairman of Ini Transition Committee who doubles as the spokesperson of the movement, Hon. Innocent Udom, expressed the desire of the entire Ini youths to adopt Hon. Umah as the preferred candidate for the chairmanship election, citing his track record of effective leadership and dedication to grassroots development.
On the part, the Youth leaders in their separate remarks, commended the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for the rural development projects, especially the ARISE COMPASSIONATE HOMES built for widows in all the local government areas and other life touching projects, and appointments of PAs spread across all the wards in Akwa Ibom State.
They said that the Ini Transition Committee Chairman is a man who has the capacity to lead Ini and deliver dividends of democracy to the people. He maintained that having come from the Zone eligible to produce the next elected Chairman of Ini LGA, Hon. Umah is qualified, judging from his antecedents and capacity.
They further stated that Gov. Umo Eno needs someone like Comr. Inibehe Umah to be in charge of Ini LGA because he is capable of interpreting the Governor's ARISE AGENDA at the grassroots.
In his remarks, Hon. Udoide commended the youths for their active participation in the political process and assured them of his support. He lauded Hon. Umah’s leadership qualities and expressed confidence in his ability to lead Ini Local Government Area to greater heights.
On the issue of zoning, Hon. Udoide said Ini is divided into two axis, Zone A, comprising wards 1,2,3,4,5 and 11, and Zone B, comprising wards 6,7,8,9 and 10 for power rotation.
Recalling his political journey with Hon. Umah, the lawmaker narrated how far they have gone and as such, he cannot betray him, emphasising that the Governor has already hinted on the direction of the local government election.
Addressing the misconceptions about his recent interface with a group of protesters from Ikpe Ward 1, Hon. Udoide stated that as member representing Ini State Constituency, he is in a position to receive and address all interest groups, refuting claims that he has a hand in any political protest, promising the Chairman and the youths his unflinching support.
Speaking earlier, the Political leader of Ukwok Ward 10, Political leaders of Ikpe Ward 2, Elder Effiong Essien, Political leader of Ikpe Ward 2, Rev. Richard Edikpo, DG of Ekaubok Abasi Campaign Organization, Elder Isaac Moses, Former Vice Chairman of Ini, Hon. Imoh Abam, all echoed similar sentiments by describing Hon. Inibehe Umah as a man whose time has come to take up the leadership of Ini. They said the TC Chairman is a sellable product who has the interest of the people at heart.
At the Shelter Afrique residence of Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Bassey, the spokesperson of the movement, Hon. Innocent Udom, intimated the host on the purpose of their visit and introduced the youth preferred candidate whom he described as a sellable candidate to the former Chief Whip of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.
Speaking, the member representing Ini state constituency and Honorary Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Projects, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Bassey, commended the youths for standing out , highlighting the importance of unity and peaceful coexistence in the local government area. He reiterated his commitment to supporting leaders who prioritize the well-being of the people.
According to him, nobody has been announced as only zoning arrangement that exists in Ini is between Zone A (Ini Proper) and Zone B (Odoro Ikono) and assured aligning with the decision of the youth and the elders.
Describing Hon. Umah as his product, Bassey said he has a very good relationship with the Council Chairman and promised never to disappoint him.
In his acceptance speech, Hon. Umah promised an all-inclusive and effective leadership, vowing to work tirelessly for the betterment of the entire local government area. He thanked the youths for their trust and pledged to uphold the values and aspirations of the people of Ini Local Government Area.
The presentation of Hon. Umah as preferred Candidate for INI 2014 Chairmanship election to the State House member, Hon. Udoide and the Honourary Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Projects, Rt. Hon. Bassey was done by youths of Ikpe ward 1, Ikpe Clan, youths and prominent leaders of Ini LGA including Ukwok ward 10, Chief Effiong Essien Udofia, political leader of Ikpe Ward 2, Rev. Richard Edikpo, DG of Ekaubok-Abasi Campaign Organization, Elder Hon. Isaac Moses, former Vice Chairman of Ini LGA, Hon. Imo Abam, Transition Vice Chairman, Hon. Innocent Udom, Transition Committee members and Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilization, Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Mr. Charles Udofia.
Others are youth leaders from ward 1 to 11, PDP Ward Chairmen, led by Ward 10 Chairman, Mr. Ezekiel Emah and youth leader of Ward 7, Mr. Titus Charles.
