Jonathan warns politicians against violence, division

Ini Billie, Uyo

Former President Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has warned politicians against violence and division in Akwa Ibom State.

The former president said this during a state banquet to celebrate the 35^th anniversary of Akwa Ibom State on Saturday in Uyo.

He urged politicians to work with the governor to ensure that the state continues to be a centre of positive reference in the country.

Jonathan, however, commended Governor Udom Emmanuel and past leaders of the state for their contributions to the achievements recorded since the inception of the state, noting that there was a visible improvement in physical infrastructure and other basic amenities across the state within 35 years.

“I will say that Akwa Ibom State, which was carved out of the old Cross River State is one of the states that has met the expectations of her people in fulfilling the reasons for her creation. If you have been coming to Akwa Ibom within these periods of thirty-five years, you would agree that people from the state would always thank God for the creation of this state.

“I call on politicians to shun politics of violence and division, and team up with the Governor to ensure that the state continues to remain a centre of positive reference.

“Governor Emmanuel has done very well, therefore the youths can no longer afford to be laid back, and in this election season, I charge the young ones to be vigilant to ensure that their choices are not thwarted,” he stated.

While speaking, Governor Emmanuel said that his administration has connected with the people at the grassroots level through the provision of healthcare facilities and other live-touching projects.

He appreciated former Military President of Nigeria, Gen Ibrahim Babaginda (retd), whom he said, yielded to the aspirations of the founding fathers of the state by creating Akwa Ibom State on September 23rd, 1987.

He stated that his administration would continue to work for the benefit of the people despite the global economic and financial challenges, as he was not given to excuses but results.

“I want to thank all our past leaders for the great works that they have done in shaping us into where we are today,” he said.