2023: Avoid politics that can divide state, Emmanuel tells A’Ibom residents

Ini Billie, Uyo

Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has asked Akwa Ibom residents to guard against divisive politics that could erode the state’s achievement in the last few years.

The governor, who was speaking on Friday in Uyo during the inauguration of the Maintain Peace Movement (MPM), and its National Executive Committee, said the peace the state has enjoyed was responsible for the development it has witnessed.

He urged Akwa Ibom people not to accept any political party whose aim is to destroy the achievements the state has recorded, saying the state belongs to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

He said: “I want to say here, that this message started here in Akwa is needed in all the 36 states of Nigeria. This message must go round that we need peace, we need brotherhood. This symbolizes the hallmark of our movement and the why not.

“Without peace, there is no development, without peace, there is no progress, without peace nothing can be done. The absence of progress is the absence of peace. What are we saying to the world? Leave us alone.

“Politics will never divide us; political parties will never divide us. If we, citizens of the state agree that there will be peace, there must be peace.

“I want to assure you that the peace we are pursuing today will bring development, investors, money. Money does not go to where it is unsafe, it will come to Akwa Ibom.

“For any place to have peace, one party must decide to play a fool and that is you. We are saying no to armed robbery, conflict, inter-religious wars.

“Even the politics of 2023, the politics of partisan war will not divide us. This is a socio-political movement. Peace must be sustained and multiplied so that we can move forward.

“Akwa Ibom is PDP and PDP is Akwa Ibom. The only political party that can ensure peace in Akwa Ibom is PDP. As we go into 2022, politics will gather momentum. Any party who would not preach peace to you, don’t open your doors to them.”

While declaring the occasion open, the chairman of the event, the Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo said the gathering was without discrimination, as everybody present was bona fide member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Ekpo stated that the peace enjoyed in the state was as a result of Governor Udom Emmanuel who has properly laid the foundation for peace, saying whoever God has destined to lead the state after him would be peaceful.

He said the peace movement was open for all to join, noting that the progress the state has made under the leadership of the state superintended by the Governor was not in doubt.

He stated that the person who would take over the State in 2023 must pursue peace, fairness, equity, and justice, adding that people were able to gather for the inauguration of the MPM because people of the state are mindful of the need to put the state together.

He urged the committee to see their inauguration as an important step to transfer leadership which cannot be done on an atmosphere of selfishness.

While commending the governor for the peace movement, the Deputy Governor said it was the best thing that could have happened in the state.

He urged Nigerians to emulate peace adding that since peace brings orderliness and progress, Nigerians should emulate peace as the 2023 elections draw close.

Speaking on behalf of the inaugurated committee, National Chairman of MPM and immediate past National Legal Adviser of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Emmanuel Enoidem said the committee has in the past three months already gone round preaching the message of peace in the state.

Enoidem explained that the people were prepared to stand with the Governor in his succession plan, as they were in support of him, saying the tradition in which the Governor picks his successor will be upheld.

He promised that members of the committee at the state, local government and ward levels were committed to ensuring that the PDP wins the 2023 elections and continues to rule the state.