PRESS RELEASE - His Highness Etebom Dr. Effiong O. Eberefiak,
Clan Head of Oku, Uyo, has described MOSES ESSIEN, People's Democratic
Party (PDP) gubernatorial aspirant, as one born in the cradle
of the Ibibio Nation and therefore very dear to the heart of every
true Ibibio person
His Highness Etebom Dr. Effiong O. Eberefiak, Clan Head of Oku,
Uyo, has described Moses Essien, people’s Democratic Party (PDP)
gubernatorial aspirant, as one born in the cradle of the Ibibio
Nation and therefore very dear to the heart of every true Ibibio
Person.
These views were expressed recently when the aspirant paid a courtesy
call on the traditional ruler to congratulate him on his coronation
to the throne of his forefathers as the Clan Head of Oku and also
to seek his fatherly blessing for the gubernatorial race in which
he is eminently in the lead.
The Clan Head who was highly elated described the aspirant as
one destined for great things for the good and well being of the
people of Akwa Ibom State.
The Aspirant, Moses Essien, who was accompanied by a large entourage
told the Traditional Ruler that he was in the Palace to formally
intimate him of his resolve to present himself for election into
the office of Governor of the State, come 2007.
The Aspirant recalled his achievements while in office as Commissioner
for Education, Youths and Sports in the State and said he would
do even more for the State if he were elected Governor. The achievements
included the establishment of the Akwa Ibom State College of Arts
and Science, massive promotion of Teachers, elevation of Principals
and Supervisors of Education to grade level 16 after years of
forceful stagnation on grade level 14; cancellation of rents paid
by teachers on official quarters, and payment of rent allowance
to Teachers as did to other Civil Servants; the institution of
a Task Force on Students and Pupils loitering, which caused Students,
Pupils and Teachers to be in classrooms before 8:00am and the
Institution of the policy which brought about appointment of principals
as Permanent Secretaries in the State Civil Service, amongst others.
As regards his plans for the State if elected Governor, Moses
Essien told Chief Eberefiak that under his administration, Education
would be made free, qualitative and compulsory, to help build
good manpower for the development of the State.
Education is the tool the aspirant said the late Chief Obafemi
Awolowo used in entrenching the Great Yoruba Race as economic
and intellectual leaders in Nigeria today.
The aspirant also outline his plan to ensure food security for
the people of the State and begged to be quoted that any Government
that is unable to guarantee food for its citizenry, has no business
managing the affairs of such people.
To arrest youth and graduate unemployment in the State, which
has become a social menace, he said that his administration would
establish a minimum of 300 Industries in the state, which would
be owned, operated and managed by the people.
These Industries, he said, would be backed up with a research
institution for strategic economic and technological innovations
and value added discoveries.
The Aspirant decried the poor housing conditions of the masses
of the State, and waxed philosophical that if God can be mindful
of little rodents and birds by providing them with holes and nests,
then leaders should be even more mindful to provide meaningful
housing for the populace.
In this respect therefore, he said plans are afoot to set up 300
units of 3 Bedroom Apartments in each of the 31 L.G.A of the State
annually.
To stop capital flight from the State, the aspirant said his Administration
would establish an international wholesale market in the State
to boost service and commerce in the State and the Gulf of Guinea
States and Countries.
He also made mention that an international standard seaport will
be established to enhance international trade and commerce in
the State.
To cap the courtesy call, Moses Essien prayed Etebom Eberefiak
to enlighten his people to support good visions, policies and
programmes aimed at changing their social and economic circumstances.
In his response, the Etebom who is famed for his intellectual
prowess said that the story of the aspirant’s success, as Commissioner
is well known in the State.
The Traditional Ruler said that he had witnessed all that the
aspirant did while in office, and that while many thought he was
rather too young for the office into which he was called to serve,
the aspirant proved his detractors wrong by bringing the vigour
of his Youth, and fresh ideas to bear on his duties.
Edidem Eberefiak opined that only a very sound administrator could
have set up a School as strategic and important as the Akwa Ibom
State College of Art and Science, under three months.
The Etebom particularly decried the systemic bastardization of
the traditional institution in the State, and attribute this to
the poor mental culture of leaders, which makes them respect other
people’s things than their own.
To restore the respect of the institution, the Etebom advised
that the office of Special Adviser to the Governor on Traditional
matters should be created and should be occupied by a traditional
ruler of repute, to advise the Governor on traditional matters
which he may not be well versed in.
At the end, the Etebom prayed for the success of the aspirant’s
ambition and offered him the traditional blessings of the Oku
Clan.
Signed:
Uwem Udoko
Media Assistant
To Moses Essien.
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