Chidi Tony|The Akwa Ibom State Traders Association has pledged to donate 500 million naira to support the presidential campaign of Governor Udom Emmanuel whose presidential nomination form was recently purchased by Berekete family in Abuja.
Speaking during a media parley with newsmen in Uyo on Wednesday, the President of the Association, Mr. Idorenyin Raphael said the decision came due to the numerous achievements of the governor across the state in the last six years.
Raphael, who is also the Special Assistant to the Governor on Traders Matters, said that in the past six years plus, Gov Emmanuel has supported the informal sector beyond expectations in the state and more than all previous administrations.
He said the three years interest free loans being enjoyed by traders from the state government through the governor have changed the lives of so many people in business, adding that so many have become employers of labour and millionaires due to the support and boost to their businesses.
Raphael said that the myriad of problems confronting the country can be addressed by Gov. Udom Emmanuel whose experience and capacity has changed the fortunes of Akwa Ibom state.
“We as traders have taxed ourselves to support his presidential dream, we have customized over 5,000 T-shirts and we have printed thousands of umbrellas for this project all for the betterment of Nigerians. We are going to donate over 500 million naira to support his campaign.
“Before now, the previous government did not pay attention to the informal sector but today you cannot see us moving around begging Governor for money because Governor Udom Emmanuel has shown us how to create wealth.
“We have turned to millionaires. Since the interest free loan was paid in batches, were are about to launch another batch which is about 4 billion naira. This is why are standing with Governor for his unparallel interest in our welfare and progress.
He said that as the Holy Spirit had administered to Gov Emmanuel to anoint Pastor Umo Eno who is also a trader as his successor, the association will support the succession agenda.
Raphael said after taking a painful examination of all the aspirants for the governorship seat in the state, the association has agreed to support Pastor Eno due to his proven integrity.
“After assessing all the aspirants, the only man that is most qualified is Pastor Umo Eno. The Holy Spirit has revealed this to the Governor and he consulted the stakeholders before moving on to anoint him.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Nigerian Automobile Technicians in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Umoh Paul noted that Gov. Emmanuel has greatly transformed the informal sector in the state.
He added that they were ready to support the Governor’s preferred aspirant in the person of Pastor Umo Eno as governor so that the state may witness a high level of transformation across the board.
Speaking on behalf of market women in the state, Mrs. Magdalene Udom commended the Governor for rescuing women from the hands of ticket collectors who molest them with no sympathy.
She said market women across the state would support his presidential ambition and his preferred candidate for governor.
The President of Timber Market Association, Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Effiong Ekpenyong said the association has experienced a new lease of life through Gov Emmanuel, adding that they will support his presidential ambition and his preferred candidate.
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