Hon Onofiok Luke: No going back on my 2023 governorship ambition
He debunks receiving money to surrender ambition
By Benjamin Jimmy
The member representing Nsit Ubium/Nsit Ibom /Etinan Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and a governorship aspirant on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party(PDP), Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, has debunked the rumours that he has withdrawn from the governorship race, having been paid to do so.
Luke, who made his position known last Wednesday at Ibom Hall Ground while declaring his intention to contest for the office of the governor of Akwa Ibom State in the 2023 election, said no amount of money can be offered to him to have him surrender his intention to lead the state as a governor from 2023.
The House of Representatives member explained that his intention to govern the state was borne out of his desires to do more in the area of human capacity development and therefore, this sheer determination would not allow for any surrendering nor compromise.
“All the rumours you have been hearing that Onofiok has left the position for someone else, or, I have collected money and backed out from the election. Know that no amount of money will make me withdraw”, Luke refuted.
He therefore, called on his teaming supporters not to be misled by the rumours against his interest in the forthcoming election, stressing that he joined the governorship race to further move the state to the next level of development.
Unfolding his manifesto to the mammoth crowd entitled: “ Building Together; Growing Together”, which coincided with his 44th birthday celebration, the Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary told the people that he had outlined areas that he would pay attention to, if given the mandate in 2023.
“Food sufficiency and agricultural development, health and technological development, industrial development, tourism, sports and entertainment, security, environment and infrastructure, and finally good governance and administration”, Luke listed.
The former Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Speaker stated that his administration will be intentional in ensuring that the people of the state grow out of poverty and lack, but said this can only be achieved with the support of all Akwa Ibom people.
Luke said he understands the problem of the people of the state, having been through poverty and suffering in his early years of life, assuring that if elected, he will change the present poverty narrative of his people.
“ I represent that bridge between the past, the present, and the future. I represent the old, the young, the analogue, the digital generation, the rich, the poor, the haves and the haves not. This gives me a unique perspective on issues that cuts across various strata of our society”.
The House of Representatives member explained that vying for the office of the governor of the state was as a result of his convictions from the place of prayers and consultation of the Akwa Ibom people on their problems which he noted started in the last two years.
According to him” my convictions are always made in the place of prayer. I cannot come out to do anything without making consultations. I have consulted across the entire state in the last two years, starting from the very first day of July 2020. I consulted the people, I heard the people, I sought what were their yearnings and aspirations. I had a full conviction after praying and with your support, I will be your Governor in the year 2023.
” I formally and officially inform you that I will be participating in the 2023 general elections, vying for the position of the governor of our beloved state. And I hope to win through your support and the amazing grace of God.”
Luke, while recounted that as a native of Ikot Etobo in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, he has occupied various positions which has built his political ambitions from his youthful age till date, believed that all the experiences he had garnered and the regular interface with the people were insightful enough as to the yearnings and aspirations of Akwa Ibomites.
” I served as a legislative aid, pioneer speaker of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, Personal Assistant on Protocol Matters, the speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and presently, member House of Representatives”.
Luke therefore, called on the people to support his vision as he is not “a local champion, but a local boy with a global view on how to better people’s lives”.
