By Treasure Esop
The political atmosphere in Akwa Ibom State took a competitive turn on Wednesday as the people of Ini Local Government Area threw down the gauntlet, vowing to surpass the 2027 vote count of Nsit Ubium, the home local government of Governor Umo Eno.
The daring challenge was issued during the inauguration of the Ini Chapter of the ‘Arise with Renewed Hope Initiative’ (AWRHI), a socio-political movement galvanizing support for the “tripod” leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno.
Speaking at the event, the President General of the movement, Engr. Uwem Okoko, stated that the people of Ini have officially tasked him with conveying their “electoral threat” to the Governor.
He noted that the Governor’s footprints in Ini local government spanning several roads, model primary schools, and a modern healthcare center have made the task of galvanizing the electoral support seamlessly.
In his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Ini LGA and Chapter Coordinator of AWRHI, Hon. Inibehe Umah, remarked that the area has already embraced peace and will exhibit this throughout the election period.
“During elections, Ini was known as a flashpoint for violence. But in the next election, there will be nothing like that because we are now united. We are walking gently to the polls to vote,” Umah said.
The Chairman further solidified his commitment to the “Arise Agenda” by distributing a total of ₦120 million in empowerment grants to men, women, and youths across the local government to cushion economic effects and spur local growth.
Setting the tone, the Deputy Coordinator of the movement and former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko, emphasized that the state is enjoying a new lease of peace.
“We have come with a message of peace. No Akwa Ibom brother or sister will fight each other again.
“We will galvanize enough votes for the President, the Senate President and the Governor,” Uko stated.
Corroborating this, the member representing Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-Udo, assured that the unity currently enjoyed in the constituency would prevent any split in the votes.
On her part, the International Director of Women AWRHI, Dr Glory Edet, declared that women in the area would not negotiate their votes, pledging total loyalty to the Tinubu-Akpabio-Eno alignment.
To drive the 2027 agenda, a 31-member Coordinating Committee was inaugurated, headed by Hon. Inibehe Umah as Coordinator, with Mrs. Comfort Christopher and Barr. James Ndem serving as Deputy Coordinator and Secretary, respectively.
A 39-member Advisory Council was also established, chaired by the Political Leader of Ini, Prof. Ini Udoka, who described the Governor’s developmental strides in the Ini local government as unprecedented noting that Ini will vote massively in the next election.
Other dignitaries at the event included the member representing Ini State Constituency, Hon. Lawrence Udoide, and Honorary Special Adviser to the Governor, Rt Hon Emmanuel Bassey, Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth(Ikono/Ini Fed. Constituency) Sir Charles Udofia, all reaffirmed the commitment of their constituents to the renewed political alliance.
