2015: Udom Emmanuel Looks Set to Clinch PDP Guber Ticket

With the overwhelming victory of his men in the National and State House of Assembly primaries, the road seems clear for an easy coasting to victory by Mr Udom Gabriel in the 2014 Akwa Ibom State PDP Governorship primaries holding on Monday at the Uyo township Stadium.

If there was any iota of doubt on the anticipated victory, bookmakers conclude that the smooth sail of Udom's three senatorial aspirants in landslide victories yesterday, means that he has effectively assumed control of the delegates and relevant structures of the party in the State.

In the senatorial district primaries, the trio of Governor Godswill Akpabio, Obong Bassey Albert and Chief Nelson Efiong emerged Senatorial standard bearers, with each of them polling more than 85% of total votes by the delegates.

It is believed that Akpabio's overwhelming victory in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District has dusted the assumption that there could be strong resistance from the hitherto touted Abak 5 politicians who had vowed to resist his senatorial ambition. In Uyo, Bassey Albert whose strength was further heightened by the support from Governor Godswill Akpabio's loyalists, Senator Effiong Bob, and Udom's supporters, emerged winner defeating the incumbent Senator Ita Enang who mustered a paltry 6 votes.

In Eket Senatorial District, Udom's anointed aspirant Chief Nelson Efiong was announced the winner after defeating ICT guru Emmanuel Ekuwem that scored 75 votes, Victor Akan jnr with 31 votes and former federal lawmaker Esio Okwong Udo with 6 votes.

As at press time, it was gathered that several governorship aspirants who are scared by Udom's soaring profile have decided to collapse their structures and support only one among themselves to be able to muster enough resistance against the budding former secretary to State Government.

According to our investigations, the departure of Umana Umana from the race and Bassey Albert's recent surrendering of his structures to Udom Emmanuel means that the ex- Zenith Bank Executive Director may as well pop champagne in Uyo with assurances of at least 70% votes.

Pundits believe that it will however be a lot more easier for Udom in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District where Governor Akpabio's kinsmen are again going to return at least 90% for Udom whose is also an inlaw in Annang land.

Other contenders in the race include Obong Nsima Ekere, Chief Benjamin Okoko, Chief Okpolupm Etteh, Senator Helen Esuene, Dr Samuel Udonsak, Barr Efiong Abia, Chief Ekpenyong Ntekim, Pastor Ita Umo Udo, Mr Asuquo Okpo, Mr Chris Abasi Eyo among others.

Born on July 11, 1966, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel studied Accounting at the University of Lagos and obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree with Second Class Honour, Upper Division in 1988. He moved on to undertake the Master of Science Degree in Corporate Governance at Leeds Metropolitan University, United Kingdom.

With a wide range of academic and professional training to his credit, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has served and gained experience and exposure in the Banking and Business sector of the Nigerian economy. He worked in Pricewater House from 1988 to 1994. In 1993, he was appointed Audit Manager – Financial Services, of the Company. His service in the Bank exposed him to: Led Audit – Financial Services: Corporate Biz Analysis & Advisory: Corporate Biz Development as well as Corporate Tax Consultancy and Tax Planning & Advisory Services.

Mr. Udom Emmanuel's additional brief included Corporate Strategy and Planning, International Investors Relations, Oil and Gas Sector, Infrastructure and Power Sector, Multinational, Conglomerates & Private Banking (MCP) as well as Telecommunications sector.

Udom Emmanuel, an achiever, a renowned financial controller and manager, an Apostle of Transformation and Sustainable Development, is an internationally recognized accountant, a seasoned Technocrat, and one of the most sought-after in his profession worldwide.

This man of destiny, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has for 17 years been actively involved in diverse banking responsibilities and key decision making processes.

posted by Essien Ndueso