Uyo Stands Still As APC Hosts Umana Okon Umana To Prayer Summit

Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital stood still Friday, as indigenes and non indigenes trooped out en masses to receive Obong Umana Umana, candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the last election.

The reception was to celebrate his victory at the Appeal Court.

It would be recalled that the Appeal Court in December nullified the April governorship election in the state and ordered a rerun in the entire state.
As early as 7am, residents began to troop to the Ibom International Airport to receive a man they described as  the peoples Choice.

Men, women, youth and children danced and waved broom, while chanting songs in support of the APC.

Those who could not make their way to the airport lined up along the road till around 12:30 pm when Umana arrived the state.

Following his arrival, they all marched to the Nsima Ekere campaign center, venue for the prayer summit and grand reception.

Speaking to newsmen,  Anthony John, leader for the Coalition of APC Youth in Akwa Ibom, noted that people who trooped out to receive Umana cut across parties.

He maintained that the people were not just there for the party, but the individual, who according to him is a “grassroots man”.

He described the APC Candidate as a thorough – bred and a man who knows the problems of the people.
“All those who said Umana should not be governor because he worked in the Akpabio administration do not know what they are saying, because if he had done anything bad, Akpabio would have spoken about it or even taken him to court by now. I therefore urge people of the state to forget about propaganda. Instead, they should protect their PVCS, so that during the forth coming election, they can take their destinies in their hands by voting out the Udom Emmanuel administration”,he said.

Also speaking, John Nsikak, said government should not be about a few people or cabal.

“It is not enough to say you built an international hospital;how many people can afford it? Can the ordinary Akwa Ibomite access health care there? What quality of edition is provided in the state? Those are the basic questions. We want Umana to govern the state because he has been with us and knows our problems. He will do well if given a chance”, he said.

Non indigenes were not left out in drumming support for the APC Candidate.  Phillip Utuoma, a representative of the Area People’s Assembly in the state, said northerners resident in the state are behind Umana Umana.

He said as a civil servant, the candidate assisted people who went to him irrespective of tribe.

“I have lived in Akwa Ibom for 24 years and I have witnessed several administrations. I have also worked directly with Umana, so I can vouch for him. He will make a good governor and that is why we are drumming support for him.  I urge people of the state to do away with sentiment and vote for progress”,he said.

The prayer session and reception was underway at the time this report was filed.