More than 3000 youths from across the 31 Local Councils of the state converged in Uyo yesterday to flag off a state-wide mobilisation for the governorship ambition of a former Speaker of the Akwa Ibom Stte House of Assembly Barr Onofiok Luke.
The youths, under the auspices of Onofiok Luke People’s Movement said their action followed the endorsement of state Lands Commissioner Mr Umoh Enoh by Governor Udom Emmanuel, a move they said is different from the collective interest of the youths and the majority of Akwa Ibom people.
Coordinator of the group Comrade Ekemini Smart, said the youths would pursue their collective interest to support the candidate of their choice outside that of the Governor added that they believe in Luke and have resolved to propagate his governorship ambition.
Smart said they do not have any problem with Emmanuel picking his preferred gubernatorial aspirant provided the governor would not interfere with their own choice of a candidate for the 2023 election.
“The governor’s decision was his personal decision; it did not represent our collective decision and the interest of the masses; so we will go ahead to pursue our collective interest.
“Onofiok Luke is the collective interest of Akwa Ibom people. We have come out to propagate that interest. The youths of Akwa Ibom believe so much in him because he has the leadership capacity; he has proven that to us in several leadership responsibilities.
“We believe in the mantra of the Amazing Grace and what the Onofiok Luke’s governorship represents. Onofiok Luke is the best candidate for Akwa Ibom State. He has proven over time that he is the best. He has full grasp of the grassroots; he knows how to relate with the masses and he has genuine love for people.” He said.
Coordinator of Amazing Grace Campaign Organisation in North America, Mr. Otobong Umana, in a Goodwill message to the youths charged other youths in the state to join the train of supporters for Onofiok Luke, saying “it is time for the youths to rise up and take their destiny”.
In another goodwill message, Mr. Daniel Udo, he said “Akwa Ibom people can vouch for Onofiok Luke and his leadership qualities”, the reason they were all coming out to launch a movement for him.
Inaugurating the chapter coordinators of The Onofiok Luke People’s Movement, Director General of Amazing Grace Campaign Organisation, Mr. Imo Udo, thanked the youths for mobilising themselves across the state to drum up support for Luke adding that his governorship ambition was for the well-being and future of Akwaell-being Ibom people.
“You came out here not by anybody’s prompting. You called us to come and witness what you people are doing. This shows that you believe in this course and have absolute trust in your friend, Barr, Onofiok Luke. I am proud of your conviction.
“Onofiok Luke will protect the interest of every Akwa Ibom person including those residing in our state. He is the choice that every Akwa person craves to make. I’m urging you to go out there and appeal to our fathers, the leadership of the PDP, and delegates to please support Onofiok Luke.” Udoh said.
Udo however tasked members of the group to go about their mobilisation peacefully.
