By Emeka Samuel
Governor Udom Emmanuel and
Obong Nsima Ekere, governorship candidates of All Progressives Congress(APC) were among the over 15 guber candidates who shunned the governorship debate organized by British Broadcasting Corporation(BBC) news pidgin Programme ,held in Uyo on Thursday.
The event which was held at TETFund 1000 capacity hall, University of Uyo (UNIUYO) had in attendance Mr Iboro Otu, governorship candidate of Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party(ANRP) and Mr Nature Udoh of Young Progressive Party(YPP).
Others were Ekong Eyo who is contesting under the platform of People’s Progressive Party and Ezekiel Nya Etok of the Young Democratic Party(YDP).
Invited guests who stormed the venue with a view to listen to the governorship candidates of the APC Nsima Ekere and Governor Udom Emmanuel, candidate of the PDP were disappointed when it was discovered the two top contenders in the governorship race were going to turn down their invitation to the event.
“I have a question for governor Emmanuel, that is why I honour the invitation to attend this debate but unfortunately he is not here.” Onen Gabriel,a guest at the debate said.
The governorship candidate for ANRP, Mr Iboro Otu who spoke through the Secretary Contact and Mobilization Campaign Committee , Mr Idongesit Okon, said he was not surprised that the two candidates of the APC and the PDP did not show up.
“We knew they will not come. We are not surprise. They are scared of facing other candidates in a debate. They have nothing to offer.
“How can they stay away from such an important debate organized by a reputable organization like the BBC. This an opportunity to show the state and indeed the world the stuff you are made off but they choose to shy away”.Okon said.
The state Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Mr Charles Udoh in a press state regretted the inability of the PDP governorship candidate, Mr Udom Emmanuel to attend the debate.
According to the statement , “Following an invitation extended to the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel to participate in the BBC pidgin English debate alongside other gubernatorial candidates and a clash of the time for the debate with another official function outside the state that is of grave importance, the Governor in a telephone conversation with the BBC team appealed for a shift of time to enable him attend.
“However, the organizers were unable to accommodate the appeal due to their crowded schedule.
“The Akwa Ibom State Government has consequently communicated formally the Governor’s regrets to the organizers and have indicated Governor Udom Emmanuel’s readiness and disposition to participate in any future.” The statement said.
The Spokesman, Nsima Ekere Governorship Campaign Committee, Hon Eseme Eyiboh, in a telephone chat with our correspondent also regretted the absence of his principal
