From INIOBONG SUNDAY, Uyo
Ahead of the forthcoming local government elections in Akwa Ibom State, the State Independent Electoral Commission, AKISIEC, has fixed October 5, 2024 as the date for the elections. However, the Governor, Umo Eno, has warned candidates who wish to participate against hate speech and politically – motivated campaigns.
He, therefore, asked the chairmanship candidates contesting under the umbrella of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to base their campaigns on issues on what they intend to offer the people, instead of dwelling on ascetic attacks on persons or institutions to overheat the polity.
The governor gave the charge at the flag off of the 2024 local government campaign and presentation of flags to the 31 chairmanship candidates at the township stadium, Uyo, the state capital.
He noted that the candidates have so many things to talk about given the quality performance of the PDP-led government in the state, to put them at vantage position to win the contest.
Describing the candidates as great ambassadors, who represent the heart and soul of the party, as well as ambassadors of the ARISE Agenda blueprint of his administration, the governor noted that through the party, he has brought development, peace, security and good governance to the state and the people.
He said: “You represent the collective symbols of all our past leaders who have, in the last almost 37 years, and most specially since the coming of the current political dispensation, worked hard to lift our state from a backwater subnational it was at creation, to a destination of choice that we have become today.
“So I charge you to campaign on our sterling record of accomplishments, sell your message of hope, and our shared aspirations as elaborately contained in the ARISE Agenda”.
Speaking on the local government autonomy, he reminded that, “you now have autonomy, which means you will totally, on your election and swearing-in, control the purse and finances of your local government. You must be prepared to be accountable, to take responsibility for your statutory responsibilities and serve our people with transparency, love and passion”.
“One of the key elements of the ARISE Agenda, is rural development. Upon your successful election as the local government boss, you will be expected to key into this vision, and be partners in our collective desire to lift our people and show them that government and governance can be platforms and forces for good.
“You will also be the chief security officer of your respective councils, and I know you will keep and maintain the peace, after your election.
” Let your campaign be without bitterness, rancour or mudslinging. There is no need for name-calling or violence of any manner. We have a fantastic record to run on, that’s what we expect you to run with”, he added.
The state party chairman, Elder Aniekan Akpan appreciated the governor for his laudable performance since assumption of office, adding that he has given the party the impetus and solid foundation upon which to campaign, assuring that the party is sufficiently prepared for the election and will win in all the 31 LGAs.
