Posted by Lazarus Emordi, Ikeja, Lagos

The Candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) for Uyo/Ibesikpo Asutan/Uruan/Nsit Atai Federal Constituency in the 2023 general elections, Obong Ekemini Ukim, has pledged to leverage on his contacts, connections and exposure to offer better representation to his people, especially in lifting them out of poverty, when given the mandate.

Ukim, who described the current poverty rate in Akwa Ibom as scary, said he would tackle the scourge head-on in his constituency, when elected as a member of the green chambers of the National Assembly, next year.

The philanthropist spoke penultimate week, after receiving his party's flag at a massive event held in the oil rich city of Eket.

Addressing newsmen at the sidelines of the event, Obong Ukim, who was flanked by his wife, Pharmacist Uduak, vowed to go extra mile, including reaching out to his friends in the North, East and West as well as international organizations, when elected, because he is desirous to offer better representation to his people.

He said: “I believe that, with my exposure and connections as a Special Envoy, International Human Rights Commission (IHRC), African Region HQ (Lesotho); Country Rep. International Model United Nations Africa (IMUNA); Country Rep., Youth Development Committee, West African (ECOWAS) Youth Council; to mention but a few, and my vast knowledge about the workings of the National Assembly, I will do more in the area of attracting different empowerment and development to my people because I sincerely love them.

"Again, I’m also looking at the international community, I’m sure that if we talk to them very well, a lot of them are willing to look at our case in every situation and see how they can come in.

Asked if his party had all it takes to upstage the two major dominant political parties in the State, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party and All Progressives Congress, Obong Ekemini Ukim said, his party, the YPP was the fastest growing political party in the State and has since established structures in all the 329 INEC recognized wards and polling units in the State, hinting that, Akwa Ibom people who are fed up with the PDP and APC are defecting in large number to the YPP and are ready to vote for YPP governorship candidate, Obong Bassey Albert and other candidates of the party for the National and State Assemblies elections.

His words: "Akwa Ibom people are fed up with the promise and fail leadership, so this time around, they are looking at antecedents, what you have done for them so far, with or without having an office. They will be assessing you based on: if this person is given the mandate, what can he do for us?

"In all the people jostling for governorship, for instance, who amongst them has done half of what OBA has done for Akwa Ibom people; the students, youths, women, elders, our royal fathers and so on? OBA's love for Akwa Ibom, evidenced by his antecedents stands him out as the next Governor of this State because our people know the truth. Also, in my little capacity, I know what I have done for my people by way of scholarships, payment of hospital bills, capital for our mothers in various communities to start businesses and help themselves and for the youth. So, do you think these people would abandon those who will solve myriads of their problems and go for the party that will still keep them in abject poverty? God forbid"

The Utuenikang Ibesikpo Asutan, revealed that, when elected as the member of the 10th National Assembly, he will focus on massive poverty alleviation, education, agriculture and health.