By Emeka Samuel, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State government decision to grant the use of the Nest of
Champions stadium for the APC presidential campaign Flag off after
initial concerns, is not a signs of weakness but evidence of a sound
and matured leadership by the Governor Udom Emmanuel.
This is contained in a statement issued and signed by the Director
General of Divine Mandate Campaign Organization Otuekong Idongesit
Nkanga, the body responsible for the re-election of the Peoples
Democratic Party [PDP] governorship candidate in the state.
Nkanga explained that, such humane disposition of the governor was a
clear indication that, the leadership of the state has respect to
constitutional offices especially the office of the President.
The one time military governor of the state observed that, the way and
manner the opposition interpreted the initial decision of government
on the use of the stadium not minding the huge cost it would involve
the state to repair the facility after the event, was an indication of
desperation anchored on selfish agenda.
“We wish to state unequivocally that the PDP and indeed the good
people of Akwa Ibom State are united in a common determination not to
mortgage the soul of the state for pittance.
“It is also worthy to note that the decision is a clear indication of
the huge sense of maturity and exemplary statesmanship by the
Governor. This action is more profane if you consider that some of the
key protagonists of APC today while in power, had several times
displayed a clear lack of tact and class.
“One incident that most Akwa Ibomites would not forget in a hurry is
the deliberate denial of Obong Victor Attah of the use of the
facilities of the Ibom Hotels and Resort for events of his 70th
birthday. Gratefully, history offered the state an opportunity to
right the wrong when the current government of Akwa Ibom state not
only approved the use of the facility for the former Governor’s 80th
Birthday but also bank-rolled the events.
“At the national level, we are all living witnesses to the blatant
refusal by the management of the Eagle Square in Abuja to grant a
former PDP Presidential aspirant the use of the facility despite
having made the requisite rental payments.
“On the contrast, it is on record that the Akwa Ibom State Government
has at several instances granted APC the use of Uyo Township Stadium even
when it wasn’t the most convenient thing to do. In September 2018, the
State Government approved for the APC to use the Uyo Township Stadium
less than 24hours before and after events of the State’s 31st
anniversary which took place at the same venue.” He said.
Nkanga who also managed the campaign organization of the former
governor, Senator Godswill Akpabio in 2007, 2011and that of the
incumbent governor in 2015, said that, the people of the state would
ever remain grateful for having a person like Mr. Emmanuel as governor
of the state; because of his humane disposition.
“The opposition can continue to sound the drumbeats of violence; the
opposition can continue to dream of criminality but the people of Akwa
Ibom State will remain united in one voice and one accord to maintain
the peace and prosperity the state has enjoyed in the last three and
half years.
“Only recently the Ooni of Ife decorated Mr. Udom Emmanuel as the
Overall Best Performing Governor in 2018 at a prestigious event in
Lagos. All these are testimonials of the governance credentials of the
PDP government in Akwa Ibom State.
“Despite the many provocations, insults and abuses, Our Governor has
remained undaunted in his quest for peace and prosperity in the state.
It is also a clear indication of the Governor’s amiable and
peace-loving disposition which is deeply rooted in his focus and
determination not to be distracted by the antics of a few selfish
individuals.
“The PDP and the people of Akwa Ibom State will continue to remain
undaunted in the match to sustainable development, peace and
prosperity in the state.” The statement added.
