By Chioma Onuegbu, Uyo

THE National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has announced its resolve to support the re-election of Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom state in 2019 following his outstanding performance in the last three years in office.

PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus who led other members of the NWC on a solidarity visit to governor Udom Emmanuel in Uyo ahead of his second term declaration on Friday described Emmanuel as one of the best governors of the PDP and Nigeria in general.

Secondus said the party was particularly delighted and satisfied at the governor’s strides in the areas of industrialization and job creation and urged him not to feel distracted because his former allies chose to abandon the party to form new alliance with the opposition party in the state.

He asserted that even opposition parties in the state and country recognise the fact that he (governor Emmanuel) has proven the capacity to perform and develop the state.

He said, “So we came to encourage you to continue working the way you are doing. From what we heard at the background, your people are ready to re-elect you for a second term so that you can complete your good works.

“Members of the NWC of our Party resolved last week that we should come here to encourage you and let you know that you have a national support because of your performance and achievements in all sections of this state.

“You are a man of fate, you have distinguished yourself among your contemporaries that a state can be run with the fear of God and since you came in, three years ago, we have monitored you quite well and have seen quite clearly that step by step, you have taken Akwa Ibom to higher heights”

The PDP national Chairman expressed optimism that the party would come out victorious in the forthcoming general elections in 2019, noting that the exercise would be a departure from previous elections conducted in the country.

He called for neutrality on the part of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and security agencies, stressing, “We want to make Nigerians know that we are coasting for victory, we want Nigerians to come out and vote and we want INEC and security agencies to be neutral. If they don’t, we believe that the international communities are watching closely what is happening in Nigeria.

“This country would never allow for political terrorism or harassment of members of the opposition party, like the siezure of the National Assembly by federal government agencies, the ideal thing is, show the people what you have achieved in the last three years. It would be based on your achievements that the people would vote”.

He further stated, I want to put this to rest that PDP believe in the rule of law, one man one vote, transparent, free and fair elections and if the President allows the conduct of transparent elections, that would be his best achievement”.

Responding, Governor Emmanuel said the support of the National leadership of the party towards his administration has boosted the confidence of the party structure in the state assuring them that there was no cause for alarm as Akwa Ibom people had been supportive of the PDP in the last 19 years.

He said he could not thank the party leaders and people of the state enough for being his strength and encouragment to remain standing especially during difficult situations, adding that he is proud to associate with a party that is being sought after to provide the right leadership.

“People around you can determine whether you remain on the floor or rise up immediately. So the people we have in Akwa Ibom have made us to be on the rise at all times. May God keep all of us to reap the fruits of what we are working for. Reaping the fruits in most cases is not in terms of material things but satisfaction that you’ve been able to leave a legacy and touch fellow humans in one way or another.

“When I want to be sincere, I am sincere 101%, which is what I stand for, no contradiction of believe, which is also what guides us. It is more satisfying and that is what we are looking for in this country so that we can put back the economy on the front burner and make sure things work well in Nigeria”, governor Emmanuel asserted.