By Bassey Nkponam
UYO
Gov Umo Eno has lauded all past leaders in the state for their remarkable contributions to the consistent development of the state.
Eno, who made the commendation at a special banquet to mark the 38th anniversary of state’s creation, noted that the current state of development would not have been possible without the efforts of all its past leaders, stressing that God has blessed the state with great and progressive-minded leaders.
He said 38 years down the line, the state has metamorphosed from a seemingly obscure area to a destination of choice, appreciating Akwa Ibom stakeholders and indeed all its citizenry for their love and commitment to the Akwa Ibom project.
“We want to continue to thank our political leaders. When I turn around and see my party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and all other political leaders sit together in unity, and as we said on Sunday, “how good and how pleasant.” When you read that scripture down, the Bible says for there, God commands his blessings.
“Where there is no peace or unity, there can never be a blessing. There can never be progress because everyone would be fighting to sustain himself or herself. We thank God for all of you.
“This afternoon, I had the privilege of having a meeting with all former deputy governors, thanking them for their service and contributions to our statehood.
“We will continue to look forward to a brighter future, and I trust that as we have gathered on behalf of 7.9 million Akwa Ibomites, we would resolve to continue to do our very best to unite our state inspite of our political differences. Let politics be played with a human face and let us know that after politics, we would all return as Akwa Ibomites,” he added.
The governor celebrated an Akwa Ibom son, Mayor Jason Jackson, who is the Mayor of Islington, United Kingdom, saying that the state was proud of his achievements, and would continue to celebrate sons and daughters who have made impacts in their chosen careers.
He also recognised and celebrated ACG Dan, Samuel Okon, who was recently promoted to Assistant Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps,NDDC, National Headquarters, Abuja, and presented him with a brand new car to aid his mobility.
The governor appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts at repositioning Nigeria, and also lauded the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
“I won’t leave here tonight without thanking our President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Regardless of the hardships that we are going through, we all would agree that, we are beginning to have stability, and this president is working hard.
“Standing here as a governor tonight, I can tell you that whatever little achievement God has helped us to achieve, Akwa Ibom has not borrowed any money. This is because this president is making funding available to state governors. At least, I can say so for myself as a governor.
“So I continue to pray, and Akwa Ibomites pray that God will keep him in good health, and that God would keep strengthening him so that he will continue to pilot the affairs of the country. Akwa Ibom is united for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are united for Senator Godswill Akpabio and we are united for Umo Eno and all our would be candidates,” he said.
The first military administrator of the State, Col. Tunde Ogbeha (rtd), expressed delight over the commendable pace of development of the state he nurtured at birth in 1987, and described the state as the benchmark of progress and development in the country.
Ogbeha congratulated Akwa Ibom people for supporting the growth of the state for the past 38 years, and applauded successive leaders for their selfless sacrifices and positive contributions towards realizing the vision of the founding fathers of the state.
The state’s chairman of the APC, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, applauded the governor for being mindful of the Akwa Ibom project through his unwavering commitment to peace and unity of the state.
The state’s chairman of the PDP, Elder Aniekan Akpan, appreciated Eno for bringing everyone together, adding that though he had moved progressively, the PDP has resolved to keep moving with him since it was the party that gave birth to him and gave him the platform to achieve unprecedented development strides.
The secretary to the state government, SSG, Prince Enobong Uwah, appreciated the governor for holding the state firmly on the path of sustainable growth, and lauded Akwa Ibom people for supporting the vision of the governor and encouraging peace and development which has distinguished the state amongst its contemporaries.
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