2019 elections: Governor Emmanuel presents 8-point agenda manifesto

– The governor unveiled the 172 pages manifesto on Wednesday, January 16 while flagging off his campaign at the Uyo township stadium

– Governor Emmanuel also promised to consolidate on the gains of his first term

UYO The Akwa Ibom state governor and governorship candidate for Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has presented a 8-point agenda manifesto ahead of the 2019 general elections.

The governor unveiled the 172 pages manifesto on Wednesday, January 16 while flagging off his campaign at the Uyo township stadium.

He also promised to consolidate on the gains of his first term, while also reeling out his achievements in office so far

Governor Emmanuel who divided his manifesto into two sections; ‘My Scorecard of 2015 Manifesto,’ ‘Completion Agenda 2019-2023,’ reeled out sectoral achievements of his first term in office.

Governor Emmanuel speaking at the rally on his plans for the future. Photo credit: AKSG

He anchored his second term manifesto on 8-point agenda of,industrialisation, aviation development, rural and riverine area development, agricultural, human capacity development, security, infrastructure, small and medium scale enterprises.

On industrialization, the governor harped on establishing at least one petroleum refinery, one thermal power plant, one petrochemical plant, and one steel plant in Akwa Ibom state before the end of his second term administration in 2023.

“Apart from these, the other major achievement I intend to record in the second half of my administration is the actualisation of the Ibom Industrial City and Ibom Deep Seaport, to solidify our industrialization stride,” the governor said.

Expatiating on his vision for small and medium scale enterprises, the governor promised to develop entrepreneurial skills of Akwa Ibom indigenes; facilitate easy access to capital for startups or financial support and generate employment opportunities.

He promised to establish search and rescue centre, flight training school,construction of power station to supply electricity to the airport in order to boost the aviation industry which is part of his second term agenda for the state.

On rural and riverine area development, the governor vowed to ensure holistic development of rural and riverine areas of the state to improve standard of living.

Talking on the security of the state, Governor Emmanuel assured that he will work closely with the security apparatus to ensure Akwa Ibom is secured and safe for both indigenes and visitors.

On infrastructure, the PDP governorship candidate revealed his commitment to engage in constructing more roads as well as construct landing jetties and waiting halls, rehabilitation of beaches and terminals to aid maritime transportation among others.

To ensure human capacity development, Governor Emmanuel reiterated his commitment to reposition the education sector in order to deliver what he described as “qualitative, affordable, inclusive, and functional education” to the citizens of the state.

On his completion agenda for agriculture sector, the governor, among other projects, averred the development of solid mineral sector with a view to taking advantage of the full potentials of the mineral resources deposits in Akwa Ibom state.

An aerial photo of the huge crowd that thronged the Uyo Township Stadium in support of Governor Emmanuel. Photo credit: AKSG

He also promised to continue the rehabilitation of health facilities, procurement and distribution of equipment to health institutions and other projects.

Speaking at the event, the Bayelsa state governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson described Governor Emmanuel as not just a performing governor of Akwa Ibom state but that of the south-south zone.

“We will continue to stand with you. Bayelsa state won election against the so called federal might. Akwa Ibom will also make it,” Governor Dickson said.

In his remarks, the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly, Barrister Onofiok Luke said, Governor Udom Emmanuel means wealth for the state, as such, Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly has resolved to mobilise support for Mr. Emmanuel’s reelection.

“From the House of Assembly, our promise is to support and re-elect you so that you can continue to empower the men, the women, the youths and the elders,” Hon, Luke said.

The manifesto presentation witnessed large turn out of personalities in the state, political leaders, elders, youths, students and ruralites who collectively endorsed the governor for second term.

Meanwhile, the people of Annang nation across the world, have pledged support and loyalty to the leadership of Governor Emmanuel, scoring him high on his industrialisation efforts in the state.

The Annang people who made their stance known under the aegis of Ati Annang Foundation during the 2019 Annual General Meeting held at the association’s secretariat at Ikot Ekpene on Saturday, January 5, also expressed admiration at the leadership mien of Governor Emmanuel