A former Director General of Standard Organization of Nigeria, General Anthony Etukudo(Rtd) has expressed reservations over condemnation of festivities by the state government to commomorate the state’s 35th anniversary as a waste of funds.
He has also said that Governor Udom Emmanuel has made Eket proud with the quantum of projects that have been commissioned as part of the anniversary.
Speaking to newsmen in Eket he said the tremendous achievements of Emmanuel’s administration made the celebration worthwhile, noting that commissioning of the projects during the anniversary remained a bold statement to the world in terms of peace and developmental strides of the governor.
Etukudo strongly condemned the comments credited to a former minister of Lands and Housing, Chief Nduese Essien that celebrating the State’s anniversary is a waste of public funds, saying that Essien was on his own, dissociating the people of Eket from the former minister’s comments.
“Celebrating the anniversary is one of the ways of showcasing the State to attract development. Governor Udom Emmanuel is showing the world that there is peace in Akwa Ibom State.
“Some of those States Chief Essien alluded to cannot celebrate their anniversary not because they would not have loved to, but because they don’t have what to show for and they are faced with security challenges and cannot host such high-profile dignitaries for whereas Akwa Ibom is very safe for everyone courtesy of Governor Udom Emmanuel.” He averred.
He expressed disappointment that a leader like Essien who has unhindered access to the governor could choose to send advice to him through the media, noting that his style and timing of communication with the governor was immature.
” If he is sincere about the skewed advice, why did he not reach out to the governor privately except he has ulterior motives.Chief Nduese Essien should look for a better reason to stay back from activities of the State’s anniversary rather than blame his absence on the anniversary celebration.
“You see the anniversary is not just about celebration. It is about thanksgiving; appreciating God for the gift of this State, and spiced with commissioning commissioning of projects. This makes it justifiable for us to celebrate.
“Udom has invested in the State. Look at Ibom Air, industries, 21-storey smart building among others. He is still on course and will surely leave this State better than he met it. Udom is our own, and we are proud of him.
“The former minister’s action has dragged the name of Eket in the mud. We condemn it in totality. He has chosen a wrong way to attract attention to himself. He should not take the peace in the State for granted, and should allow us to celebrate our anniversary.” Etukudo advised.
