Mr Udom Gabriel Emmanuel – Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government
Pressure has been intensified on the Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Mr Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, to throw his hat into the ring and contest in the forthcoming governorship elections in the State.
Already, major ethnic and socio-cultural groups across the three senatorial districts of the State have drummed support on Mr. Emmanuel not to waste any time in presenting himself as the man capable of consolidating on the gains of Governor Godswill Akpabio’s administration.
The latest in this regard is the foremost apex body of royal fathers and leaders in Annang ethnic nationality, known as the Afe Annang.
The Itai Afe Annang, Okuku Effiong Eside, while playing host to the Secretary to State Government, told him that he has their nod and full support as the right Akwa Ibom son to succeed Governor Akpabio in 2015, especially since he is from favoured Eket Senatorial District.
Speaking through the Obom Afe Annang, Dr. Akpan S. Okpongete, the socio cultural group eulogized the sterling attributes of Mr Emmanuel, describing him as one who has brought his huge wealth of experience in the private sector to bear in complementing the uncommon transformation gesture of Governor Akpabio.
The traditional fathers in a prayer led by Rev S. Akpakpan committed Mr. Udom Emmanuel into God’s hands, praying for Divine guidance and protection on him at all times.
Speaking, Mr Udom Emmanuel had told the royal fathers that he was in the palace to thank them for all the support and advisory role in the success of Governor Akpabio’s administration.
Mr Emmanuel was also full of appreciation to the Afe Annang for their show of love to him and their encouragements, and call on them as intercessors to continue advocating for the sustenance of peace and development in the State.
He appealed to the Afe Annang to continue preaching the Gospel of unity and peaceful coexistence among the people of the state as instituted by the Governor through an even spread of development to all parts of the state.
With the continuous pressure on him from various parts of the state, the SSG is however yet to make an official pronouncements on his decision concerning the election.
