‘Achievements to celebrate A’Ibom at 35 in order’

Ini Billie, Uyo

The project commissioning and other achievements showcased as part of activities to mark the 35th-anniversary celebration of Akwa Ibom State has been hailed to be in order and fitting for the state.

Former Director General, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), General Anthony Etukudo, who said this on Friday in Eket, added that the projects inaugurated during the anniversary were a bold statement to the world of the developmental strides of the governor.

Etukudo condemned the comments of the former Minister of Lands and Housing, Chief Nduese Essien that celebrating the state’s anniversary is a waste of public funds.

While dissociating the people of Eket from Chief Essien’s comments, the former DG said celebrating the anniversary is, “One of the ways of showcasing the State to attract development. Governor Udom Emmanuel is showing the world that there is peace in Akwa Ibom State.

“Some of those States Chief Essien alluded to cannot celebrate their anniversary not because they would not have loved to, but because they don’t have what to show for and they are faced with security challenges and cannot host such high-profile dignitaries for whereas Akwa Ibom is very safe for everyone courtesy of Governor Udom Emmanuel,” he stated.

He expressed disappointment that Chief Essien, a leader, who has unhindered access to the governor could choose to send advice to him through the media, adding that the style and timing of communication were suspicious.

“If he is sincere about the skewed advice, why did he not reach out to the governor privately except he has ulterior motives?

“Chief Nduese Essien should look for a better reason to stay back from activities of the State’s anniversary rather than blame his absence on the anniversary celebration,” he stated.