By CHIDI OKOH
For Senator Effiong Dickson Bob, his aspiration to consolidate on the achievements of Governor Udom Emmanuel is gathering steam and momentum with supports from Akwa Ibomites in Diaspora.
Bob, a philanthropist, grassroot politician who represented Uyo Senatorial District between 2003 and 2011 in the Senate, recently declared his interest to contest the gubernatorial election on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023.
Several positive reactions have trailed his declaration after he had exposed his robust plans for Agriculture, Industrialization, Education, Health and other infrastructural development of the state.
The latest endorsement is coming from Akwa Ibom indigenes who live in United States and Europe who described his entrance into the 2023 governorship race as a very big plus for the development of the people and total transformation of the infrastructural sector of the state.
Mr. Phillip Ekpo, an indigene of Ediene Abak who lives in Atlanta Georgia, USA on his verified twitter handle, said Effiong Bob’s antecedent shows he has lifted several indigenes of the state into prosperity through his sojourn in public offices. “2023 is sure deal for Bob,” he twitted.
Imo Akpan, a resident of Chicago in his reaction to Phillip’s tweet, said: “Bob loves the people and appreciates the masses. He has passion for development and that is the kind of man that will take Akwa Ibom to a greater height.”
Another twitter user, Edidiong Kufreabasi, said: “I have not seen any other person that can match Senator Bob’s achievements on what he has done or intend doing to lift the state with public office.
“He has touched many lives both individually and collectively especially in dire times. We in Europe share this common sentiment on his suitability as perfect replacement as Governor Emmanuel’s successor.”
In a phone chat with our correspondent, Mr. Christopher Urua Udofia, an indigene of Nsit ibom based in Canada observed that he was a direct beneficiary of Bob’s benevolence.
“I am one of those he helped got employment in the country before I got admission to travel abroad for further studies. He didn’t know me in person, he didn’t ask to meet me in person before facilitating my employment by mere forwarding my resume to him. I will use everything at my disposal to support his governorship aspiration in 2023.”
Also speaking, a group of Akwa Ibom youths in Rivers State operating under the aegis of “Youths in Support of Credible and Transparent Governance” (YSCT) said their support will go to the best and most experienced aspirant in the race for governorship in 2023 in Akwa Ibom State.
The Coordinator, Prince Phillip Umoh, said in an interview with our Correspondent that Bob stood tall in the pack with rich political experience and unparallel philanthropism.
According to him, “He rose from the political cradle. As a senator for eight years and later Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council of University of Benin, he facilitated the employment of several Akwa Ibom indigenes in various sectors of the economy. He ensured that people don’t starve by giving out empowerment items including food items to families when need arises. Bob will drive Akwa Ibom State to the land of fulfillment. He loves God and looks up to God always.”
On her own, Mrs. Ndifreke Otong, the founder of Ndifong Eateries and Services in Rumola road Port Harcourt said: “We should all rally around Senator Effiong Bob for the interest of Akwa Ibom State and generation yet unborn.
“He has capacity to turn around the fortunes of the state, he did not disappoint us as a senator and will not disappoint us as Governor of Akwa Ibom State. He will take Akwa Ibom State to greater heights in terms of all round development.
“I can tell you as a grassroot politician and business woman that he is the person majority of the Akwa Ibomites are looking for. The youth, women and elderly both resident or in Diaspora have been looking for him.
“He is a very humble person, with the interest of the people at heart. He loves Akwa Ibom State and will do anything to see the state progress and prosper.”
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