A’Ibom cannot go backwards @ 35, Gov. Emmanuel declares

Ini Billie, Uyo

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel has urged the people to stick to the path which has made it a frontline state in Nigeria.

Speaking on Friday in Uyo during the 35th-anniversary celebration of the state’s creation held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Gov. Emmanuel said Akwa Ibom has come a long way in 35 years and cannot go backwards.

The governor paid glowing tribute to former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida for creating the state, and past leaders for laying a solid foundation for the growth Akwa Ibom is currently experiencing.

He said the rain during the occasion was a sign of God’s approval, showers of blessing and open heaven for Akwa Ibom State and her people.

He maintained that the future of Nigeria lies with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and charged the people to stand on the path of progress, adding that the next PDP administration would reward the state for her huge 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 networks of economically viable roads constructed and commissioned by this 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, backward never. Akwa Ibom this time around shall not be forgotten, Akwa Ibom shall not be left behind, and Akwa Ibom will be at the forefront of everything in Nigeria. We shall be at the forefront of development, as we are contributing immensely to the resources of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom will also be at the forefront,” he stated.

In his address, the Special Guest of Honour and Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar congratulated Akwa Ibom State and her people for all-around growth in all spheres of development in the past 35 years.

Abubakar who was represented by the Governor of Sokoto State and Chairman, Nigeria Governor’s Forum, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, said Governor Emmanuel was 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.

Noting that the state has fared well under the leadership of the PDP, the PDP candidate encouraged the people to remain steadfast in supporting the party, saying the PDP will take over power at the centre in 2023.

Speaking on the internal feud in the PDP, Abubakar said, “yes, we must acknowledge that we are having internal family issues, but be rest assured that we are not involved or 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 at 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 governor of Akwa Ibom State among others.

The grand finale of Akwa Ibom at 35 was preceded by a month-long celebration consisting of project commissioning including the 10-Lane Ring Road 111 (Idongesit Nkanga and Clement Isong Highway), and the IBB flood control project and outfall drains.