EXCLUSIVE: 2023: Governor Udom Promises Delegates N2m Each
It is no longer a story that PDP primaries is about to starts in less than two months, the lastest Information reaching Ibom Focus says that Governor Udom Promises Delegates N2m Each
The Akwa Ibom state Governor, Deacon Udom Emmanuel has promised the sum of 1m, 1.5m and 2m to delegates and stakeholders across the state asking them to support and work for his preferred Successor, Pastor Umo Eno. Including those close to and working with other Aspirants, THE INK gathered.
Political scientists who spoke to our reporter have since described the monetary promise of the Governor as a very desperate bid towards ensuring that he plants Umo Eno as a Governor come 2023 against all odds.
Governor Udom Emmanuel sources said has made mouth watering offers of one Million naira, 1.5m and 2M each to statutory delegates and stakeholders across the State with additional promises of more funds as the PDP nomination enters into an advanced stage.
Checks by THE INK reporter reveal that the Governor and his agents have been calling delegates and stakeholders into the lodge at night in order to execute the plans.
Some of those who attended the night meetings at the lodge informed our reporter that the Governor is on a long thing as they are a people the Governor denied seeing or empowering in the last 7years. The however querried why the Governor has suddenly realized their functions and importance now.
“The Governor and his agents have been calling us into the lodge at night asking us to vote for Umo Eno to win the PDP nomination and will then make promises of 1M, 1.5M and 2M naira with further promises of more money and empowerment if we stand with Umo Eno”.
“We are a people he, the Governor denied seeing or empowering in the last 7years. So why now?” A delegate from Uyo querried.
A delegate from ONNA local Government Area who exchanged views with THE INK reporter in Eket said, the Governor is all out to ensure that he clips the wings of Senator Bassey Albert, Barr Onofiok Luke, Mr. Mike Enyong whom he believes are in charge of over 85percent of statutory delegates in Akwa Ibom State.
Our reporter understands that with the amended Electoral Act banning Government appointees from voting or being voted for as delegates, the State Chief Executive became jittery and is said to have since started reaching out to delegates for support.
It was learnt also by THE INK reporter that another reason for the panicking of Governor Udom Emmanuel and his handlers is because going by recent political development in the affairs of the PDP in recent times, that the Party may not allow adhoc delegates.
The realization of this development is said to have sent fresh fears down the spines of the Akwa Ibom State Governor and his promoters, hence his decision to begin a romance with delegates whom multiple sources say have since promised them One Million naira each.
A delegate from Nsit Ibom who also lend her voice to the development describes the act as that of desperation.
She said, it is funny how the Governor is showing signs of ill-preparation for this election despite being on the saddle for seven years and still counting.
Our source said, “We used to plead, beg and ask that the State Governor see us or reach out to us so that we will understand his succession agenda and be a part of it, but NO, we were relegated and treated like second class citizens.
“Today, the Governor and his managers have suddenly realized our worth and he is making offers, such offers will not work because all delegates in Akwa Ibom State are sympathetic to one course or the other. Delegates today are either for OBA, Onofiok, Baba Ntan, Akan Okon and very few others for others.
“With this reach out, is the Governor asking us to leave our benefactors and follow him? We will not. These Governorship aspirants have been with us from time, they have serviced us and kept us afloat while the Governor was busy travelling up and down, so the time for us to reciprocate the love, kindness and support our respective Principals have shown and still showing us is now. We cannot betray our benefactors. We will stand with them. We will be steadfast at least for the love they have demonstrated for us over time”.
Another delegate, a strong Chapter Chairman from Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency said, the decision to reach out by the Governor is too late. He said, delegates are wiser this time and we will show either our excitement or anger at the ballot.
One of the spokesperson for Umo Eno’s Campaign team while responding to these concerns admitted that delegates aren’t very friendly towards them. But expressed hope that there could be a change of mind along the line.
Meanwhile, THE INK can report matters of fact that these are not friendly times for the Governor as the position of delegates on the Umo Eno governorship does not represent a position of victory for the Preferred.
“In this Government House, we know finally like finally that Our Boss, the Governor is on a voyage of a Swim against the tide”, an aide to the Governor told our reporter yesterday during the inauguration of new Commissioners at Government House.
He however added that, the State Governor will muscle on.
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