One of the leading governorship aspirants in Akwa Ibom, Barr Onofiok Luke has lamented the widening gap between the privileged few and the underprivileged majority despite their sacrifices and commitment towards building the state of their dream.
Luke has however given the assurance that though these social inequalities cannot be automatically undone, effective and people -oriented leaders could reinforce the noble foundation laid by past leaders and founding fathers of the state, in order to rebuild the broken walls of their collective dreams of the future.
In a statement issued by his Amazing Grace Campaign Organisation, through the director of communication, Uduak Ikafia, in Uyo on Thursday Luke, who is the chairman of the house of Representative Committee on Judiciary also stressed that his confidence in becoming Governor next year is unwavering.
According to the statement, “in the next few days, the Amazing Grace Project, which is the Campaign Organisation of Rt Hon. Onofiok Luke, will unveil details of his formal declaration and a manifesto which will outline the terms of his social contract with Akwa Ibom people.
“The Amazing Grace Project is the God-inspired and people-driven campaign Organisation galvanising Akwa Ibom towards the actualisation of Hon. Luke’s vision for Inclusive Governance which is clearly articulated in our campaign theme: Building Together, Growing Together.
“Onofiok Luke has always believed in a concerted effort towards building a progressive state. It has always been his thought and idea that our people should be actively part of our building process, and that they should grow together in prosperity rather than just watch a few grow.
“Our Project was therefore established on the firm belief that Akwa Ibom can only succeed through the collective contributions of the people, and the success story will only be complete when the people fully partake in the reward. Onofiok is thus on a mission to provide our great state with a leadership that will not only involve the people in the building process, but will prioritize the collective growth of every single one of us.
“As we push towards our GOAL in 2023, we are assured that Akwa Ibom people will reiterate their stand on demanding a leadership that is characterised by experience, youthfulness, acceptability, accessibility, and accountability.”
It explained that within the last two years of Luke’s consultations with stakeholders, elders, religious leaders, traditional leaders, youths and women, the people have shared their challenges while everyone agreed that those challenges are surmountable.
“Onofiok Luke is therefore committed to giving a leadership consciously aimed at building our people and their capacity to match with the economic and infrastructural growth of our state.
“After many years of dreaming and preparing, we are now at the turning point in history. Therefore, the Amazing Grace Project is a clarion call on Akwa Ibom people to come, let’s build together and grow together.” It concluded.