Gov Emmanuel flags-off campaign, doles out interest free loans to traders in A’ Ibom

The Akwa Ibom State government has doled out interest free loans worth over N2billion to traders in the state. Addressing a press conference in Uyo yesterday to flag-off the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) campaigns for the 2019 general elections, the State Chairman of the party, Obong Paul Ekpo said the interest free loans to traders was to boost the testimony of citizens in their decision to re-elect Mr Udom Emmanuel as governor. Ekpo said the party was emboldened by the achievements of the governor to take him around the state to solicit for the vote of the Akwa Ibom people in next month elections. He stated that the party had given out over N10billion as seed capital to Akwa Ibom people to groom and grow entrepreneurship spirit among the people. He confirmed that 324 traders have been trained in different skills and that the party intends to double the effort before June 2020. “That decision by Akwa Ibom people to re- elect Udom Emmanuel as governor of our dear state has birthed no fewer than 13 industries, remodelled, reconstructed, and re-equipped many general hospital; granted over N2 billion interest free loans to market men and women, constructed over 1,700 kilometres of well networked roads and bridges, undertaken massive renovation of schools, stimulation of sports development. “As a political party, we have given out over N10 billion in prize money as seed capital or business support funds to Akwa Ibom people who are entrepreneurs irrespective of partisan leanings or affiliation. “We have trained no fewer than 324 men and women in different viable and sought-after skills like carpentry, finger foods, make up, nylon production, interior decoration, tie and dye, paint making among others. We hope to double this figure before June next year,” he said. Ekpo further advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to remain unbiased as any form of favouritism to any political party would kill the nation’s democracy. He also urged all political parties to conduct their campaigns in a peaceful manner and desist from acts that could threaten the present peace of the state. He revealed that the flag-off of the party’s campaigns for the elections would begin on Wednesday at the Uyo Township stadium, followed by a tour of the 31 local government areas of the state. Isaac Job, Uyo