Uyo Hilltop Mansion 2023: Contenders battle pretenders
By Moses Tom
In the first part of thi series, we highlighted the chances of getting some of the aspirants for Uyo Hilltop Mansion 2023, the battle for the soul of Akwa Ibom State Government House, and realised that only a handful of them could be regarded as the true Contenders. The rest are mere pretenders, seeking cheap popularity and opportunities to do business.
You probably know them. In this second series, the rank and file of pretenders have continued to swell. You may be surprised by some of those who make it to the pretender list. One question we left at the end of that series was:
Where will you place these stalwarts?
Dr Iniobong Essien
Mr Akan Okon
Senator Ita Enang
Mr Akan Udofia
Mr Churchill Udoh
Mr James Iniam
One of the three names predominantly featured as contenders in the battle for Uyo Hilltop Mansion 2023 is Obong Bassey Albert, OBA.
Obong Bassey Albert, who hails Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area in It/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency, is fast becoming enigma in the race to Uyo Hilltop Mansion 2023. But resignation of Obong Akan Okon to join the race may spark a twist in the dynamics and agitation of the Constituency.
Akan Okon
The immediate past Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport, Obong Akan Okon assumes an image of a chameleon in the Uyo Hilltop Mansion 2023 race. He parades a dual identify of a pretender and contender.
For several months he was the only suspected successor of Governor Udom Emmanuel in his Cabinet. Even the inclusion of Pastor Umo Eno never change the fact that the governor was grooming Akan Okon for a higher responsibility. Akan Okon’s oversight functions in strategic ministries, overseeing the berth of Ibom Air and Ibom Deep Seaport was a pointer.
It appears Governor Udom Emmanuel desires to make Akan Okon his successor but is afraid he might not able to wrestle the ticket with the Bulldozer Senator called OBA who is a King Kong in Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency and beyond. Observers find it difficult to believe that it not the fear of OBA hijacking the ticket for Uyo Hilltop Mansion 2023 seat from Akan Okon should it is micro-zoned to Itu/Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency that saw the emergence of Pastor Umo Eno from Nsit Ubium, Nsit Ibom and Etinan Federal Constituency.
Rumours had it that at a point Governor Udom Emmanuel asked Akan Okon to bury his ambition for lack of financial muscle to prosecute same. If that was the case, why has Akan Okon resigned to flex muscle with even the Governor’s anointed candidate in a battle he knows he has no chance if he not pretending?
A strategist and silent achiever, Akan Okon is up for tortoise politics. By resigning to contest the Akwa Ibom 2023 Governorship race under pretence of challenging his boss, Akan Okon has set himself up to be Contender in the race. Mark my word, the Roadmap for Peace Talk tilts in his favour.
Akan Udofia
Another tricky aspirant in the Uyo Hilltop Mansion 2023 race is Obong Akanimo Udofia rated as the richest man in Akwa Ibom State. Voters are still in search of not only his platform but also his real intention. When he steps outside the comfort of his private jet, he would be holding the Umbrella. When he finds himself in his private capacity he would be seen with a colourful broom.
Today, Obong Akan Udofia would be trailblazing campaign, tomorrow he would be seen chilling with his opponents in the spirit of brotherhood, peace and unity. What a tactic, what a strategy. This antic may be the magic wand.
