Obong Emmanuel UkpongUdo: The Hope of Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency

By Edet Frank 

“Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.  This was a statement made by the 35th President of United States of America, John Fitzgerald Kennedy when he challenged his countrymen to live for public good. This has been the mentality and lifestyle of Obong Emmanuel Ukpong-udo, popularly known as Macaire, the indefatigable political leader of Ikono. 

On July 18, 2015 the people of Ikono Local Government Area unanimously mandated Obong Emmanuel Ukpong-udo to be their political leader and proffer direction for the development of Ikono. This safety expert cum politician willingly obliged to serve his fatherland.

As the political leader of Ikono, Obong Ukpong-udo has provided direction for the people of Ikono and restored the glory of Ikono as the cradle of Ibibio Nation. Politically, he has instilled stability and decorum in the politics of Ikono Local Government Area. He has given the youths opportunity to contribute their quota in the development and advancement of area. This has brought peace to bear in Ikono Local Government Area which was before his emergence an area noted for political violence. 

Obong Ukpong-udo is an embodiment of a true leader with abounding acumen required to produce next generation of world changers. He is a gentleman with comely disposition, accommodating and accepting attitude. Obong Ukpong-udo is an exemplar of integrity, loyalty, strong character, charisma and conscience. He is naturally endowed with ability to harness diverse opinions to achieve the greatest good for the people; a man with usual courage to stand for what is needful and represent his people faithfully.

This pragmatic political leader of Ikono has practically demonstrated that leadership is all about building the next generation of leaders by investing in the people today for the gains of tomorrow.  The number of youths benefiting from his empowerment programme and other unannounced gestures are all expression of his passion and commitment to the growth and alleviation of the suffering of the common man. This indeed is the heart of a leader. Records have it that over several youths have benefited from the empowerment largess of Mr. Ukpong-udo.

As a political leader, Ukpong-udo has contributed greatly to the political stability of Ikono by providing political direction, showing the way and taking the lead politically. He has distinguished himself creditably and has not disappointed the confidence the people of Ikono repose on him.
It is not there a surprise that the outstanding performance of this Health &  Safety Guru and Philanthropist has captured the attention of the entire people of Ikono/Ini Federal constituency, who on January 3, 2018 at De-trio Schools Ikono passed vote of confidence on Obong Emmanuel Ukpong-udo to expand his leadership beyond just Ikono and represent the Federal Constituency in the green chambers come 2019. The people are confident that with a leader like Obong UkpongUdo, Ikono/Ini will have effective representation in the House of Representative.

This is not a misplace because Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency needs a leader in the mould of Obong Emmanuel Ukpong-udo to offer the right leadership and give effective representation in the area.

The Federal Constituency needs a person with heart for the people, who are ready to pay the supreme price for the overall good of the people.

Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency needs a man with a selfless heart as a leader; a man who knows what it takes to make a good leader. Obong Ukpong-udo suffices because he has what it takes to provide leadership the people need.

Obong Ukpong-udo knows that it takes selfless heart to make a great leader and selfless leaders lived their life for the people. He draws inspiration from great leaders like Nelson Mandela, who lived for his people, Mahatma Gandhi who carried the pains and interest of his people above himself. This is why he is committed to live for his people and the good of the downtrodden.

The call by the people of Ikono/Ini for him to join the political race in 2019 and salvage the constituency from decay and death of efficient leadership is a worthy call. In Obong Emmanuel Ukpong-udo lies the hope and future of Ikono/Ini Federal Constituency in 2019.