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Tag: A’Ibom

Stakeholders make fresh case for sustainable WASH roadmap for A’Ibom
By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
Stakeholders in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, WASH, sector has said that environmental degradation, waste pollution and Open Defecation, ODF, could only be effectively curbed with sufficient water availability and efficient management.
At a three day workshop for journalists and members of the civil society at Eket, participants expressed dismay over several bottlenecks hampering effective management of the WASH sector, noting that the key impediment remains abysmal funding of the sector by government.
The workshop was facilitated by the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, and other Civil Society Organizations CSOs.
Addressing the conferees, the Project Director of IBOMWASH, Prof. Gabriel Umoh, who doubles as the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, in – charge of African Human Development Centre, AHDC, commended Governor Udom Emmanuel, for assenring to the bill but regretted that much still needed to be done to effectively implement the State’s WASH roadmap.
Umoh recalled that since the framework that would constitute the roadmap was articulated by stakeholders including some officials of government, the document is still yet to get the approval of government, and appealed to the outgoing Governor Emmanuel, to grant the approval before the May 29 exit date of his administration.
“The framework for the effective implementation of the State WASH roadmap had since been articulated by stakeholders and the document presented before the State Executive Council, SEC, for approval, but up till now, we are still waiting for the final nod, and we trust that the outgoing Governor, will do justice to it before leaving on May 29.” He said.
He pointed out that funding as the major driver in water sector reforms have combined with other administrative bottlenecks to hamper effective implementation of the State WASH policy, even as budgetary allocations to the sector, though minimal, could only be seen on paper without releases by the respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, over the years.
Our correspondent however, garthered that the document has been handed over to the Commissioner for information and Strategy, Comrade Iniobong Ememobong, who is presently studying the contents with a view to ascertaining whether the articulated issues complied with the State WASH policy direction before presenting it for final approval by the SEC.
May 25, 2023
School, Family Bicker Over Sudden Death Of Student In A’Ibom
By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
The sudden death of a final year student Edima Umoh of Full Life Secondary School who died in the school dormitory while sleeping has pitched the school management and the deceased family against each other.
The incident which occurred last week Thursday has thrown both the school management and family of deceased into endless mourning as all parties have expressed shock over the mysterious death of her brightest student who was writing the ongoing WAEC examination.
Narrating the incident to newsmen who visited the school on Wednesday, the Principal, Mrs AniefonteAbasi Victor-Williams described the death of Edima as mysterious.as she was healthy on the fateful day.
“We are fully aware of the demised of our students Edima Ini Umoh, she was in SS3, currently writing her final exams, she was in this school from creche’, she was the only pioneer student remaining to graduate before the sad event took place.
“From a family of five children and all her elderly ones passed through this school, she was the last child of her parents. Everything happened quickly, because by the time that I was called, I was already ministering in my husband church as I am also a pastor and had left the school.
“Shortly before we left school,she was with a crossed slippers, she was healthy, we even sent her to call another student from the hostel that afternoon.” She narrated.
However, the principal said the deceased had earlier complained of headache and the school Nurse administered Paracetamol during lunch time at exactly 2:30pm and after taking her lunch the deceased was normal.
“We were told that she earlier complain of headache and the nurse gave her Paracetamol, during lunch time, 2:30pm, she was fine, she went to eat and even had some more because here, we run a very homely facility here, if a child is not satisfied, they have the right to get more meal.
Williams disclosed that when she left the school , the deceased complained of headache again which compelled the school Nurse to give “Coartem ” malaria drug but she turned it down insisting that they should call her mother to bring “Amatem” malaria tablet being her regular drug for malaria treatment.
The principal said while waiting for the mother to arrive in the school, the deceased pleaded that they allow her to sleep and she died in her sleep.
“The hostel parents came back to check those on Prep, if they were reading this was when she saw white substance mixed with blood coming out from Edima’s nose, that was when she raised alarm and there was Panic everywhere.
“By the time they carried her out of the bed, she had messed herself up, they clean her up and the Nurse tried ressocitating her until the Doctor arrived , we affiliate Premier Clinic, my boss and every other schools leaders were called and they all ran down to the school immediately, I mate them at the premier clinic where the girl was on oxygen, and we prayed, hoping she will respond.” Williams said.
Meanwhile , the family of the deceased have demanded for Autopsy to ascertain the cause of death of the teenage girl and has threatened legal action if they are not given a satisfactory response.
In a letter titled “Demand For Full Disclosure Of Events Leading To Unnecessary And Unfortunate Death Of Miss Edima Ini Umoh” from Nemo Judex Chambers signed by Edikan Lawrence (Esq) addressed to the “The Proprietor Full Life Academy” and made available to newsmen in Uyo, the family demanded detailed account of events culminating to the dead of their daughter in the school premises.
A copy of the letter which was served to the state Commisioner for Education, Akwa state Commisioner of Police stated that action would be taken against the school if there is no response within the expected period.
According to the letter, “the saddest part of the entire story is that up 18 this moment, the school has not been able to give a full and detailed account of what transpired within your school campus that culminated into such a regrettable, untimely painful and unfortunato loss of an exceptionally bright, lively and intelligent gir of 15 years old in your custody and care who died of “unnatural causes”.”
The family also warned that if the school fail to furnish them with relevant information , they would seek redress in court.
“TAKE NOTICE that where you to refuse to act in terms of this demand within the Time stated above, we have our client’s instruction to resort to other legal measure to ensure that justice ; not only done but, seen to be done in this case and I wil be without further recourse to you.” The family warned.
May 24, 2023
Seadogs Make Case For Protection Of Journalists
By Odo Ogenyi, Uyo
The National Association of Seadogs, Atlantic Shores Deck (Eket Chapter) has called on Akwa Ibom Governor-Elect Mr Umo Eno, to uphold press freedom and protect the rights of journalists and media practitioners in the State, as an essential condition for the sustenance of democracy and its dividends.
In a statement to mark this year’s World Press Freedom Day endorsed by the Decks Cap’n, Utibe Ikot and made available to newsmen in Uyo on Wednesday, the association said they remained committed to the entrenchment of a just and egalitarian society where human dignity is upheld, irrespective of tribe, religion, or creed.
It reminded the incoming administration in the State of the need to respect their commitment and uphold their obligation to press freedom; and also provide an enabling environment for journalists and media practitioners to practise their chosen profession without fear of intimidation, threats, blackmail, imprisonment,
“This is imperative because the press provides the platform for a multiplicity of voices to be heard. At both the national, and state level, it is the public’s watchdog, activist, and guardian as well as educator, entertainer, and contemporary chronicler. Press freedom is an essential pillar to any democracy, especially that of an emerging democracy like Nigeria’s.
“Hence, to maintain its role as a watchdog and a check on government, society and business, the media must remain vigilant and committed to the truth which requires a commitment to rigorous fact-checking, independent reporting, and a willingness to challenge the powerful.
“Freedom of the press is a fundamental right that is essential to the functioning of a democratic society and the maintenance of other human rights.
“As the eyes and ears of the public, journalists must be able to report upon matters of public interest without fear of arrest or other forms of interference.” The statement said.
It however regretted that press freedom, even though enshrined in the Constitution has continually been elusive, as it has been hindered by several factors ranging from obnoxious legislation such as the Cybercrime Act, secrecy, legal pressure, monetary inducement by politicians and other interested parties, intimidation and blackmail by state and non-state actors.
“Furthermore, the Nigerian media importantly lacks statutory institutional back-up to support media practitioners and journalists in the dispensation of their duties as the ‘4th Estate of the Realm’, and grant them access to information, and insulate them from threats of intimidation.
“Therefore, to further strengthen press freedom and consequently, free speech, there is crucial need for increased public awareness of the nexus between press freedom and the other human rights, including the promotion of transparency, accountability, and democracy.
“The public also needs to be conscious of the imperatives of protecting the rights of journalists and ensuring that they can operate without fear of censorship, intimidation, or violence while holding the government continually accountable for their commitment to press freedom.
“The National Association of Seadogs, Atlantic Shores Deck (Eket Chapter) therefore salutes the doggedness and resilience of all conscientious journalists and media practitioners; and pays a glowing tribute to those journalists who have sacrificed their comfort, safety, and even lives in the exercise of their profession.” It concluded.
May 4, 2023
Obasanjo lauds Gov Emmanuel, commissions 23.4km dual carriage highway in A’Ibom
By Odo Ogenyi, Uyo
Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday commissioned the 23.4km Eket-Etinan dual carriageway in Akwa Ibom even as he has lauded the efforts of Governor Udom Emmanuel in building a model state.
The dual-carriage way which has three bridges and traversed through four Local Councils is said to be the longest road ever constructed by the administration of Emmanuel.
Obasanjo who acknowledged the Governor’s strides in the development of Akwa Ibom State however urged the him to take a short break and return to continue his active contributions to the development of Akwa Ibom, Nigeria and Africa.
“Every occasion here is a new project. I have come here to commission projects more than any other state in Nigeria. You have made the whole Akwa Ibom better than you met it. You have demonstrated capacity and credibility and I have no doubt that your successor would build on the legacies you have left behind.
“I am happy that God has answered your prayers. You started well and you are finishing well. But note that, comparatively, you are still a young man, so take a short break and return, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria and Africa still expect a lot from you. We will squeeze the best out of you.” He stated.
Obasanjo advised the people of the state to take advantage of the roads and other projects executed by the Governor for enhanced economic activities and livelihood.
Emmanuel in his speech said the project commissioning was in line with his promise to remain committed, focused and dedicated to his service to the state and its people till his last day in office.
His listed other projects to be commissioned before his exit from office to include the second runway at Ibom International Airport, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Hanger, the new Terminal Building, and the official residence of the Chief Judge of the state.
“This project is special in the sense that we are also trying to show that we are highly focused, we are also trying to show that we dedicated and committed to what we took an oath of office for.
“We are also trying to make the whole world know that when we say we are going to work till the late day before we hand over the batton to the next governor who will run a marathon race as if he is running a hundred metres race, because there are still a whole lot of projects, some at 90, some at 95, some at 80, that I am sure within his first hundred days in office, he would tidy them up.
“Not only roads, we have hospitals, power, education that we need to commission. I want to let you also know, even on May 29, before I get to the stadium, I would commission the official residence of the Chief Judge of this state. Before now, the Chief Judge has never gotten an official residence.
“If you go to the airport now, I think I have the full assurance that we can commission that second runway before I leave the office. The MRO is also ready, we are waiting for the tooling and the equipment. But if the equipment is not in before May 29, we will still commission the MRO.” The Governor stated.
On his part, the Commissioner of Works, Prof Eno Ibanga said the road project which was constructed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), was in line with international standards
“This road is 23.4km, 8 metres on each lane which has 2.74amp and we have a medium barrier across the length. On the average, we have 300mm laterite sub-base, 200mm cross asphalt, plus 60mm binders course and 50mm wearing course.
“The nature of this road is that any load that transverses residence road, it can carry and meets all international standards. This road as we see, has drains from the beginning to the end so that we can have flood control along the stretch of the road. As you stand, wherever you go, when ever rain comes, it flows out.” Ibanga stated.
May 2, 2023
OBJ to commission Eket Etinan dual carriage highway A’Ibom
By Odo Ogenyi, Uyo
Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo would on Tuesday commission a number of projects executed by Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom, including the.4km Eket Etinan dual carriage highway.
The new road executed by Chinese firm CCECC is in fulfillment of Emmanuel’s promise to ensure a dual carriageway from the state capital to the Atlantic Ocean and a continuation of the 20km Uyo- Etinan Road that is almost ready for inauguration
Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation Mr Essien Ndueso who led journalists on a visit to the new road said it was previously a nightmare for commuters who were compelled to pass through a long and arduous route before reaching Uyo or Eket.
“Many had to go through Ikot Ubo in Nsit Ubium, down to Ibesikpo Asutan LGA, or even pass through interior villages in Nsit Ubium and Nsit Ibom before reaching their destination.” Essien said.
On his part the construction project manager Engr Samuel Ukata said the road was executed to specifications to stand a test of time and is designed with road furniture like side drainage, pedestrian walkway, traffic markings with pavement and center lines as well as concrete stones walls for enhance movements.
Some commuters who spoke with newsmen expressed delight on the new road , saying it would enhance their movement , describing it as smoth and sweet to drive on.
A driver, Mr Bassey Ime said before the construction of the dual carriageway, movement from Eket to Uyo used to be difficult as they take pains to navigate village roads in Nsit Ubium and such trip last for an hour but with the newly constructed road now their trip to Uyo from Eket has shortened to just 30mins.
It would be recalled that Obasanjo had earlier commissioned the longest flyover bridge in the South South, a one kilometer flyover bridge in Uyo and also inaugurated the longest stretch of dual carriage way executed by any administration in the State, the 29km Etinan – Ndon Eyo road.
“I don’t why Governor Udom Emmanuel loves me so much that he always invites me to inaugurate his best projects. I recall that I was here to inaugurate the longest flyover in the south south and now I am inaugurating the longest dual carriage road with two cable bridges.” Obasanjo had said while commissioning the Etinan – Ndon Eyo Road last year.
May 2, 2023
Mapping A’Ibom will end boundary disputes, says Eket Monarch
By Odo Ogenyi,Uyo
The Paramount Ruler of Eket Local Council, Edidem Etim Abia has said that unity and peaceful co-existence would be engendered following the Akwa Ibom State Map Establishment Law 2023 passed by the State House of Assembly.
Abia told newsmen in Eket yesterday that the State’s map was important as it would bring an end to years of disputes over boundaries between neighbouring communities.
The Royal Father commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for his courage and determination in ensuring that the state had an official map, which he described as a vital tool for ensuring peace and stability.
“We couldn’t have continued as a state without having a map, an official gazetted map. What was circulated in the past was not an official map, it was something someone drew and people used it and that map created a lot of problems.
“This map is expected to show clearly where the boundary of each Local Government is and bring to an end all the fights.
“The Governor has done well, he has the courage to do the right thing and not minding anybody, we couldn’t have had a state that didn’t have a map.” He said.
The Paramount Ruler also drew attention to the fact that the map would prevent Local Government Areas from making claims on territories that were not rightfully theirs.
“We in Eket have been fighting since 1914 to get the proper boundary demarcated between us and Ibeno. This case went up to the privy council, the highest court in the British Empire and right from Nigeria, Eket won the case both in the High Court, Court of Appeal to the British Council. Ibeno never accepted that Judgment.
“It is not up to Ibeno to implement the judgement but when there is a judgment that involves land it is the Government that should implement the judgment but successive Governments haven’t implemented the judgement.
“We also joined in the case to argue where QIT(Qua Iboe Terminal) is and they lost, the appeal was thrown out but still they won’t give up.
“This map is very important, not just for Eket alone because it affected Onna, Mkpat Enin, Eastern Obolo and Ikot Abasi.But this map is expected to show clearly where the boundary of each local Government is and bring to an end all the fights.” Abia maintained.
He further noted that in the past, there had been conflicts over territories that were not properly delineated, leading to tension and sometimes violence between communities but with the map, he said, such conflicts would be a thing of the past.
Speaking on the development across the state, the monarch said Governor Udom Emmanuel has exceeded expectations in his commitment to the development of Akwa Ibom State.
He observed that despite the challenges facing the state, the Governor has remained resolute in his efforts to transform the state by implementing policies and programmes that have improved the lives of the people.
“Mr Udom Emmanuel has put Akwa Ibom State among most developed states in Nigeria. He has touched every local Government Area. I am surprised that he had to wait this long to commission Eket-Etinan road, the road is a long project all the way from Uyo to Etinan to Eket, he should have commissioned the road in sections.
“The Governor has done well he has the courage to do the right thing not minding anybody.Akwa Ibom is one of the smallest states that is doing very well thanks to people like the Governor. He has exceeded expectations, and has put the state among the most developed in Nigeria.” He concluded.
April 20, 2023
Why A’Ibom escaped flooding- Gov Emmanuel
By Odo Ogenyi,Uyo
Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has said that the state was not impacted by last year’s flooding that ravaged many states in Nigeria because of the investment in flood control projects across the state.
Emmanuel who made this known at the commissioning of the 6.64km Ring Road 2 and drains in Uyo on Friday said the road inauguration would herald another phase of project commissioning before his exist from office next month.
According to the Governor who renamed the road Chief Udoidiong Drive,”this commissioning today have taken into consideration the drainage system. When the flood was ravaging every other state capital, we were spared because of a lot of investments we’ve done underground.
“If you check underground it can take a whole big car underground, everything around this area has been channeled underground to Aka road. We are still in Shelter Afrique trying to tar roads; we have more than five and I hope we will be able to commission it.
“Those in Atan Affot area, I told them that the day I’ll leave office, I will not leave a single road in Attan Affot and now 15 roads in Attan Affot with side drains have been done and there is no place in the area that is not tarred. We are able to achieve all these because of your support.” He stated.
Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga said,”the details of this road had taken care of everything that will tend to sustainability. We have 4 metre median that is paved, that runs through the beginning of this road to the end. Both sides of this road have drains and this road carries 3.32 underground drain that carries all water out of this arena and Aka road end. When rain comes, you don’t have any course for alarm.
“We have 60mm binder course and 50mm railing course of the main alignment. This roundabout is made of 70 metre asphaltic course. That means in the next 50 years as the Lord tarries, this road will stand the test of time.
“I want to thank you, Your Excellency for believing in one man, HENSEK Integrated Services. He has been a source of joy. Your Excellency, I want to thank you for believing in me. You have told us that anything that we do, we can always accomplish.
“I want to thank all Akwa Ibomites for the support for my boss, his Excellency, the Governor, to accomplish this feat as a state. Your Excellency, I gave you 12 projects to commission, you only trimmed it to five. I am sure before we exist, you are going to commission more.” Ibanga stated.
Chief Executive Officer, HENSEK Integrated Services, Engr. Uwem Okoko assured of the durability of the road and pledged to maintain the roads he has constructed without cost to government.
‘Your Excellency, you have built this road to last a generation. I want to say it will be a minimum of 100 years before anybody will talk about maintenance of this road. And as long as I live, I give Akwa Ibom State government a guarantee that HENSEK will maintain this road free of charge Incase of any defect.” He stated.
April 14, 2023
A’Ibom residents laud Governor Emmanuel over road projects
By Odo Ogenyi,Uyo
As Governor Udom Emmanuel gets set to inaugurate more roads in Akwa Ibom, residents and commuters at the newly constructed RingRoad 2 in Uyo and Afaha Iman /Ekpene Obom Road in Etinan Local Council have commended the Governor for his efforts in linking both rural and urban communities with good roads.
The Ekpene Obom road which leads to the over 100 years old Qua Iboe Church Leprosy Hospital in the area is a 3.5km road project while the RingRoad 2 is a 3.5km, dual carriage expressway with walkway median and street lightings.
The Ring Road 2 project is to be inaugurated on Friday by Governor Udom Emmanuel while the Ekpene Obom road project is billed for inauguration next Tuesday.
Conducting journalists around the project locations, Special Assistant to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Mr Essien Ndueso maintained that the Governor has lived up to his promise of delivering massive dividends of democracy to the people of Akwa Ibom State until the last day of his tenure in office.
Ndueso explained that the Governor’s promise to ensure easy assess to basic healthcare services in the state and opening up of rural communities for economic activities informed the new expressway to the ancient Leprosy Hospital in Ekpene Ibom constructed in the last decade of the 19th century.
He maintained that the road has also opened up neighboring communities around Ekpene Obom and also given life to the economic and natural resources of the area and its environs.
Speaking at the Ring Road II project, the contractor, Engineer Uwem Okoko expressed appreciation to Governor Udom Emmanuel for providing indigenous contractors with the opportunity to handle major roads projects.
The RingRoad which connects Aka Road axis of Udo Udoma Avenue with Olusegun Obasanjo Way, has a drainage which is 3.3km long and 5m deep, and empties into the main canal of the IBB Road drainage system.
Some indigenes of Etinan, including Godwin Inyang Ufot a youth leader in Afaha Iman, Etinan and Nsisong Usoro, a youth activist from Ikot Abasi said their people were very grateful to the Governor for responding positively to their years of prayers and cries.
Other roads marked for inauguration this period by the Governor, include the 23km Eket – Etinan dual carraige Road, the 20km link roads at Ukanafun and the 19km road and spurs linking Anua in Uyo with Mbak -Ishiet in Uruan Local Council.
April 14, 2023
Gov Emmanuel ended laziness, wasteful spending in A’Ibom – Cleric
By Odo Ogenyi, Uyo
A renowned Cleric of African Church and advocate of good governance Rev. Richard Peters has eulogised the outgoing Governor of Akwa Ibom, Mr Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom for his eight years of visionary and result oriented leadership.
According to him in an address termed, “thank you is not enough” the Cleric said, “Thank you is in order, because the last 8 years have not been business as usual. Leadership was truly defined and professionally served. Gov. Emmanuel brought an end to laziness and wasteful spending. An average Akwa Ibom youth through the Dakkada initiative became self-reliant.
“They were not seen hanging around politicians to get peanut when they have what it takes to own a peanut factory. Money was not thrown on highways to show how generous the governor was, rather, he invested in people through various human capacity development initiatives.
“Today, these people are entrepreneurs with others working in their establishments. Thank you is in order.” He said.
The Cleric also recalled that most of the projects embarked upon by Emmanuel were greeted with criticism by some naysayers stressing that it could naturally discourage a leader, especially as they were not constructive regretting that the projects were criticized with petitions and deliberate efforts to thwart their implementation through legal and some unconventional channels.
However the good governance Advocate expressed happiness that governor Emmanuel being a leader who understands governance and people, overlooked all the distractions and forged ahead to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
“Today, those projects once criticised are standing as lasting testimonial to effective representation and good governance”. He intoned.
He further highlighted that Leaders like the Governor deserve appreciation from people within, irrespective of political affiliations and interest pointing out that his efforts have been greatly recognized within and outside Nigeria and had attracted so many awards of recognition to the state.
Reeling out the milestones of the outgoing Governor amidst two major global recessions which greeted his administration and shattered the global oil bench mark in addition to the COVID-19 pandemic that grounded many world economies, the Cleric cited Ibom Air which has become a reference point in Nigeria’s aviation sector with a fleet of seven aircrafts, including five Bombardier 900 Series and two Airbuses.
He also thanked the governor for the numerous Ring roads opened by his administration to enhance free flow of vehicles in the state especially the new 10 lane road and further expansion of the Airport road.
“One need not to bother mentioning the wonders of Udom Emmanuel in the health sector, education, agriculture, sport, women/youth empowerment, rural development, infrastructural development and the level of investment in the Ibom Deep Seaport Project, among others. It will take a day or two to mention all the achievements of this administration in the last 8 years, and thank you is not enough”.
Peters explained that the Governor’s outstanding performance propelled the landslide victory of Pastor Umo Eno in the last governorship election in the state.
“The rejection of other parties was a “thank you gift” by Akwa Ibom people to the PDP government and the state governor. This incidentally made pastor Umo Eno a gift of gratitude from Akwa Ibom people to the governor. His labour of love and sacrifice was not in vain, as the people stood by the governor to deliver PDP in the presidential/national assembly elections, as well as the governorship and state House of Assembly elections.
He has remained the most prudent governor in Nigeria in terms of management of resources, financial transparency and people-friendly leadership whose footprints will linger in the sand of time.
The Cleric said he is elated that Gov. Udom Emmanuel has fought a good fight, finished his course stressing that a crown of gratitude awaits him on May 29, 2023, when he will draw the curtain on his administration.
April 13, 2023
I am leaving a better A’Ibom- Gov Emmanuel
By Odo Ogenyi,Uyo
Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has said that despite the two recessions and the economic meltdown occasioned by coronavirus pandemic that his administration faced, that he would be leaving the state better than he met it.
Emmanuel who made the declaration in Uyo, the State capital in his Easter broadcast said the challenging economic situation never deterred him from delivering on his campaign promises to his people.
According to him, “it has been my great honour and privilege to serve you as your Governor. As I am getting ready to hand over the baton, I do so, with the full conviction and deep faith that given the resources available, given the challenging economic tailwind that we faced, given the two recessions and a pandemic of historic proportions, God has been merciful, God has been kind and I am leaving this State better than I met her.”
The Governor also urged politicians in the state to sheathe their swords and join hands with the Governor-elect, Pst. Umo Eno, to develop the state after the dreams of its founding fathers.
He said though they may have belonged to different political linings, politicians must learn to resist the impulse of allowing politics to create division of alienation among them.
Emmanuel also said that the political class should be reminded of the fact that though the Founding Fathers who established Ibibio State College in Ikot Ekpene may not have agreed totally on their political leanings, they never allowed Akwa Ibom kindred spirit to be broken through political affiliations.
The statement in parts read, “I urge our political class to sheath their swords and join hands with the Governor-elect, Pastor Umo Eno to build an economically vibrant State where the yearnings and hopes for our collective growth and development would be attained for the good of us and the generations yet unborn.
” We may have disagreements on political front, we may have pursued growth and development through different political prisms, but we must resist the impulse of letting politics create unbridgeable schism and chasm of alienation amongst us as kindred.
“Our Founding Fathers who banded together and established Ibibio State College in Ikot Ekpene may not have agreed totally on their political leanings, but they knew that our kindred spirit can never be broken through the ephemeral or temporary impulses of political affiliations.”
While noting that Easter broadcast was not his valedictory speech to the people, the governor said he was convinced that he has not let the state down.
April 11, 2023