March 15, (THEWILL) – The member Representing Etinan Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, has debunked a recent report on a National Newspaper (not THEWILL), that he was heavily induced financially to support the second term bid of Mr Udom Emmanuel in 2019.
Luke made the retraction on Monday, when he consulted the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Akwa Ibom State Council, on his intention to contest as Governor of the state come 2023.
THEWILL recalls that Luke, who is the immediate past Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, had a serious face off with his former boss, the former Governor of the state, which almost cost his second term in the State Assembly in 2015, if not for the overwhelming support from his constituents.
However, he was denied the position of Speaker, until a sectional rerun of the House of Assembly elections that swept the mantle off Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko and it fell on him.
In the consultative meeting, which took place at the NUJ Press Center Information drive, off IBB Avenue, Uyo, the state capital, Luke, who is the chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Judiciary, stated that his support for the incumbent Governor in 2019, was born out of conviction, formed in the place of prayers.
“I challenge anyone to mention who paid me and how much I was paid. My support for Udom Emmanuel was born out of conviction, formed in the place of prayers”, he maintained.
Addressing over 500 journalists, who gathered to receive him, the most popular Governoship hopeful said he was at the Press Center to formally consult the pen professionals, describing them as friends, who have used their tools to promote him over the years.
He sought for the support of members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm in his governorship ambition.
Luke said he has consulted widely from July 1, 2020 and received the endorsement of critical stakeholders.
According to him, he chose to consult the NUJ because the union has never failed him since his sojourn in the House of Assembly as the Speaker and member, House of Representatives for Etinan Federal Constituency.
“It is on the strength of what I have enjoyed from the NUJ, that I have the courage to seek for your support and solidarity to succeed as governor come 2023.
“I am not just happening at the political landscape of Akwa Ibom, I have been schooled in the art of governance. Hence, I will give you purposeful leadership and governance that will bring value to Akwa Ibom people”, the Governorship hopeful remarked.
Luke assured that he will deploy his strength to make Akwa Ibom great as he stands for equity, trustworthiness, hardwork, Peace, love and rightfulness.
He said he will continue to defend the interest of the State, manage the public lives of the citizens and bring about effective governance when given the opportunity to serve at the Hilltop Mansion.
The Federal Lawmaker reiterated that he is running on the theme, ‘Building Together, Growing Together’, stressing that he is not comfortable being the one to grow, but extending his hands to those who have been supporting him.
He said the essence of government is to impact positively on the people, which is tailored towards human capital development and promised to undertake these when elected as governor.
Luke emphasised that by the Amazing Grace of God, he is the best in the gubernatorial race in Akwa Ibom State and solicited maximum support from the pen pushers and the generality of the people.
He announced the pillars to building together and growing together to include, education, healthcare, entrepreneurial development and good governance among others. Emphasising that he is for gender equity and inclusiveness, promising to articulate and push agenda that will aid the development of the State.
Speaking, the chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Amos Etuk, described Onofiok Luke as a leader with example, noting that he has built synergy with the Union over the years.
He assured that the union will give all aspirants level playing field and will not engage in smeared campaign in the build up to 2023, praying God to guide him in his journey to the Hilltop Mansion.
The chairman, however, appreciated the aspirant for his enormous support to the Union and individual members.
