…vows to cure political injustice, create skills, jobs
By Ime Silas
UYO — House of Representatives hopeful for the Uyo, Uruan, Nsit Atai, Ibesikpo Asutan Federal Constituency seat at the Green Chamber of the National Assembly, Mr Ikakke Bassey has formally returned his nomination form under the Labour Party (LP) ahead of the upcoming elections.
Speaking yesterday while addressing a crowd of supporters who accompanied him to the LP State Headquarters, #40 Akwa Efak, Uyo, after submitting the form, Bassey said his decision to run was driven by the need to address what he described as persistent political injustice against Ibesikpo Asutan local government area in particular, and to provide purpose representation for the constituency in general.
“Today marks a very remarkable day in my political life”, Bassey roared amidst thunderous cheers, adding that “It marks a moment that I have decided to leave my comfort zone, to seek to serve my people”.
He continued “It has now become clear that a section of a few political merchants have chosen to turn their blind spots on the injustice meted against the people of Ibesikpo Asutan local government area as far as federal representation is concerned.
But never mind. I have not only come to cure that political injustice; I have also come to prove a point that indeed, if the right person is elected, the Federal House of Representatives can be used to turn around the fortunes of the constituents”.
He promised that if elected, his focus would be on delivering representation that prioritizes fairness, accountability, and tangible improvements in people’s daily lives.
A central plank of his representation, aside from effective legislative business, Bassey stated, would be skills development and job creation; a result of which he promised would be seen and felt ward-by-ward across the federal constituency.
He argued that youth unemployment and limited economic opportunities remained key challenges across the four local government areas, and pledged to work toward programs and policies that would equip the youths with marketable skills and attract investment to the region.
“We cannot continue to normalize a system where young people graduate without prospects,” Bassey said. “My priority is to push for initiatives that create real jobs and open pathways for our people to build sustainable livelihoods.”
Some of the supporters who spoke to our Correspondent, while expressing their willingness to work towards Ikakke Bassey’s emergence said they were elated to be parts of process of rescuing the federal constituency from shackles of poor representation.
The Uyo, Uruan, Nsit Atai, and Ibesikpo Asutan Federal Constituency is one of Akwa Ibom State’s key federal seats. The Labour Party’s candidate selection process is expected to unfold in the coming days as other political parties prepare for next year’s general election cycle.
