As celebrations to mark 38 years of Akwa Ibom statehood continues, the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has lauded all past leaders of the State for their remarkable efforts and contributions to its consistent development.
Governor Eno, who gave the commendation at a Special Banquet to mark the 38th anniversary of State’s creation, said 38 years down the line, the State has metamorphosed from an obscure glorified local government area to a destination of choice.
The Governor noted that the development of the state 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 expressed gratitude to Akwa Ibom stakeholders and all its people for the 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, the Peoples Democratic Party 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 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.
“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 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 God’swill Akpabio and we are united for Umo Eno and all our would be candidates,” he said.
In a remark, the first military Administrator of the State, retired Colonel Tunde Ogbeha, expressed delight over the commendable pace of development of a State he nurtured at birth in 1987, and described the State as the benchmark of progress and development in the Nigeria.
He 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.
