Exclusive:

TOGETHER WE WON

Victory is sweet but winning as a team is better. Our victory became possible because we fought as a team.

On behalf of my wife and family, I sincerely appreciate the people of Oruk Anam for believing in the Peoples Democratic party (PDP), as demonstrated during the presidential/national assembly elections as well as the gubernatorial/State House of Assembly elections held on Saturday, February 25 and Saturday, March 18, 2023, respectively.

Out of the 28,046 votes cast during the last Saturday assembly elections, you graciously trusted me with 17, 670 valid votes, leaving the eleven other candidates with 10, 376 votes to share. The show of love was massive and I promise to reciprocate it with effective representation and meaningful empowerment.

I am particularly grateful to my mentor, father and State leader of our party, His Excellency, Mr Udom Emmanuel and his dear wife, Dr Martha Udom Emmanuel for giving me their shoulders to lean on and wings to fly. To the Aniekan Akpan-led administration of our party, thank you for giving me a reliable platform to contest.

Our citizenry across the 9 clans, 13 wards and 221 polling units of Oruk Anam LGA unanimously adjudged our campaigns to be issue-based, that’s because we had a competent campaign council. I am therefore grateful to the chairman of our campaign council and my Predecessor, Rt. Hon. Udo Kierian Akpan, the Director General, Hon. Dr. Paul Udofia, sub committee Heads and indeed all members of my campaign council for their sacrifices and contributions.

From the delegates who served as the biblical John the Baptist during our party primaries to my ever defensive agents who tarried to protect the materials, let me assure you that your labour shall never be in vain. You occupy a special place in my heart.

Reports from Domestic and International observers indicate that the elections in Oruk Anam were generally fair, peaceful and credible. I sincerely commend the Independent National Electoral commission (INEC) and my constituents for their peaceful disposition. Please, let’s sustain the peace.

As we march into an era of new possibilities in Oruk Anam, I extend a hand of fellowship to other candidates to come let’s work together, even as I promise never to take for granted, the confidence reposed in me by the electorates.

Welcome to a golden era in Akwa Ibom State and a dawn of new possibilities in Oruk Anam.

Prince Sampson Idiong
Member-elect, AKHA.