September 23, (THEWILL) – Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel, has charged the people of the state to stick to the path of greatness which has availed her the status of a destination of choice in Nigeria.
The Governor gave the charge at the Grand finale of events marking the 35th anniversary celebration of the state creation, held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday.
He, however, paid glowing tribute to former Military Administrator of the country, Gen Ibrahim Babangida, for creating Akwa Ibom, as well as past leaders of the state for laying solid foundation for the steady growth the state has experienced from inception.
The state Governor, who was recently appointed the chairman, campaign council of the PDP presidential election stated that the future of Nigeria lies with his party, the Peoples Democratic Party and therefore, charged Akwa Ibom people to stand on that path of progress.
He expressed optimism that the next PDP administration in the country would reward the state for her huge resource contributions to the national purse.
“Let me thank past leaders of the state for building a state as strong as this, let me assure you that we have touched all aspects of governance in the past seven years and in the last 35 years.
“Fellow Akwa ibomites, I stand here to report that we have done exceedingly well. Akwa Ibom State today, I can boast and beat my chest has one of the most world-class network of economically viable roads constructed and commissioned by my administration.
“We thank God for 35 years as a people and to show that God is with us, God has sent us showers of blessing, God has opened the heavens on a land blessed by God.
“As a people, we have remained forward ever and we can never go backward. Akwa Ibom this time around shall not be forgotten, Akwa Ibom shall not be left behind, Akwa Ibom will be in the forefront of everything in Nigeria. We shall be in the forefront of development, as we are contributing immensely to the resources of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom will also be at the forefront.” He maintained.
In his address, the Special Guest of Honour and Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, congratulated Akwa Ibom State and her people for the steady growth in all spheres of development within the 35 years of her existence.
Represented by Governor of Sokoto State and Chairman, Nigeria Governor’s Forum, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, Atiku described Governor Udom Emmanuel as a result-oriented leader.
“We have seen progress, we have seen development in virtually all the areas of life under your leadership in Akwa Ibom state, only God Almighty can reward you”, he said
The PDP Presidential hopeful urged the people of the state to remain steadfast in the support for the party and be hopeful that the PDP will take over power at the centre in 2023.
He, however, described the internal feud within the PDP as mere family issues and assured that the party is not involved nor engaged in the war of attrition.
“It is a political disagreement and very soon, all of that will be resolved and the PDP will continue to remain strong, and grow until we win the election, by the grace of God, come February 2023.”
Dignitaries who graced the occasion include governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintri; former governor of Kwara State and President of the 8th Senate, Mr Bukola Saraki, former governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari; former governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido; former governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswan, former governor of Gombe State, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo; former military governors of Akwa Ibom State, among others.
The grand finale of the state 35th anniversary was preceded by a month-long celebration, which saw the state to harvest of several completed life-touching projects, including the 10-Lane third Ring Road name in memory of the first indigenous administrator of the state, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga (late) and Clement Isong respectfully, and the IBB Outfall drains.
