PRESS STATEMENT REMARKS ON THE OUTBURST BY PDP LEADER, GODWIN NTUKUDEH, DURING A CAMPAIGN RALLY IN IKONO

Fellow citizens of Ikono, my attention has been drawn to recent inflammatory and unguarded statements made by Mr Ntukudeh, a political leader in the People's Democratic Party (PDP), during their campaign for the upcoming Local Government Council elections. His remarks, filled with hate, ethnic and divisive rhetoric, are not only unbecoming of someone who is a Political Adviser to the Governor, but they dangerously undermine the person and Office of the State Governor, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno. This is a direct attack on the integrity of the Governor, who has consistently maintained his position on ensuring free, fair, and credible elections in our state.

In his reckless outburst, Ntukudeh made assertions that the state government—not the PDP—is "coming to take back Ikono Local Government," and made incriminating insinuations about the use of the state’s security apparatus—“air, land, and sea”—to achieve their political aims. Furthermore, he brazenly declared that the "State Government's treasury" would be deployed for the elections, suggesting that the resources of the people of this state would be used to serve partisan interests. Ntukudeh is attempting to drag the Governor’s name into his desperate and malicious political agenda.

I want to remind the people of Ikono about the violence that marred last year’s elections in some units within our local government. The volatile nature of this area makes it imperative that all political actors conduct themselves with utmost maturity and responsibility. Ntukudeh's "win-at-all-cost" posturing is dangerous, and I hereby call on the security agencies to take note of his statements and hold him responsible if any form of violence erupts during or after these elections.

As grown men, we must promote peace, transparency, and progress in our communities. I want to take this opportunity to urge Ntukudeh to exercise maturity and reason in his conduct and utterances.  It is ironic how those who fail to win elections in their polling units or wards, often have the loudest voices during campaigns. Rather than resort to reckless threats, I advise Mr Ntukudeh to conduct himself with decorum and campaign on the issues that matter to our people—improving their livelihoods, building infrastructure, creating jobs, and ensuring security—not divisive rhetoric and attacks on individuals.

Elections are a time for the people to choose their leaders based on issues, ideas, and policies that will improve their lives. We should be focusing on the needs of the people of Ikono, not stoking fear and division. If you truly believe you have the people's support, then come to the polls in peace and let the people choose. I challenge Mr Ntukudeh and others like him who rely on political intimidation and sentiment to instead promote a free, fair, and transparent election where the people’s will can prevail in the upcoming election.

I call on all stakeholders to ensure transparency and fairness in the upcoming elections. Let the will of the people prevail. Our community deserves better, and I trust that the people of Ikono will make their voices heard peacefully and democratically. As we approach this weekend's elections, let us focus on peace, unity, and the democratic process. Let us all commit to a free, fair, and violence-free election.


Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ukpong-udo (PhD)
Member, House of Representatives  
Ikono-Ini Federal Constituency
Akwa Ibom State