Udom Emmanuel’s era will remain indelible, says Oku Ibom Ibibio

…Describes him as an accomplished administrator

Ofonime Honesty, Uyo

Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General of Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr) Solomon Daniel Etuk, CFR has said that the era of Mr Udom Emmanuel as governor will remain indelible in the annals of our history.

The patriarch of the Ibibios said Emmanuel’s tenure spanning May 29, 2015- May 29, 203 witnessed monumental achievements that bear testimonies that, indeed, scored him highly as an accomplished administrator.

In a heart-warming message entitled, “Tribute to an Accomplished Administrator”, Ntenyin Etuk said Akwa Ibomites will forever be grateful to God to have had Mr Emmanuel as Governor, whom he said, came in with a rescue mantra in managing the affairs of the state.

He said “We will forever be grateful to the Almighty God for giving us His Excellency, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel to serve as the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State from May 29, 2015 to May 29, 2023. His governance impacts have been episodic, gargantuan and rewarding to the people, the State and beyond.

“Worthy to note is the rescue mantra that Governor Udom Emmanuel brought into the governance of Akwa Ibom State. We recall that at a time when Nigeria was facing an economic recession with its adverse effects on the economies of States of the Federation; he utilized his expertise as an economist and financial expert to mitigate the unpleasant development – shouldered responsibilities and got the State to function without strains.”

The premier royal father noted that before his advent, Akwa Ibom was entangled in a state of insecurity but through his character as a God-fearing and peaceful man, he changed the narratives to bequeath tranquillity, law and order.

“We cannot also forget the insecurity, especially the rampant kidnappings that entangled the State before his ascension to the helm of affairs but as a man of peace; he ended it and enthroned an era of peace and tranquillity that we currently enjoy,” he said.

He recounted the foreign direct investments never experienced in the state that his administration attracted to include “Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing Company Limited; Digital Electric Metering Solutions Manufacturing Services Limited; Lions Plywood and Timber Factory; Kings Flour Mill; St. Gabriel Coconut Oil Refinery; NPCD and NOSL Oil and Gas Exploration in OML – 13 and BUA Oil Refinery, among others.”

“We have equally felt his impact in the aviation sector through the establishment of Ibom Airline and acquisition of aircraft for its smooth operation; the rapid development of the Victor Attah International Airport with provisions of more facilities – the new runway, the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Facility; the new terminal building and other aviation facilities.”

Ntenyin Etuk, who is also the Paramount Ruler of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, acknowledged the construction of a network of roads – from rural to urban centres in Akwa Ibom State under his administration, describing it as very impressive.

“Also to his credit are Stadia and Sports development; new General and Specialist Hospitals; development of Housing Estates; building of Dakkada Secretariat and Dakkada Towers – a 21-Storey Smart Building; International Worship Centre, among others.”

Oku Ibom said traditional rulers have lots of things to celebrate about the era of Mr Emmanuel as Governor, saying “Of great significance too under his administration is the due attention to the welfare of Traditional Rulers in recognition of our important roles and services to the people. He further took a landmark step by building a State-of-the-art Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council Complex and a Royal Lodge for the President General of the Council. Recently, he also commissioned an ultra-modern Asan Ibibio Complex. Such unique facilities are rare in the entire country!

According to him, it was quite remarkable for his administration to have immortalized our forebears and successive leaders who envisioned and laboured for the creation of the State and contributed to its development.

He said, “In his regard, the leadership and entirety of Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council applaud him for recognizing the late legendary royal father and one of the founders of the State, Chief Sampson Udo Idiong by the naming of the newly commissioned Ring Road 2 after him.

The Oku Ibom Ibibio went further to say that there was no sector that his administration has not impacted positively, while also ensuring unity, peace, progress and harmony in the State.

“As a matter of fact, his scorecard remains top-notch which reflects his good heart for the State as was obvious from the very beginning of his administration to the end. 

“It is with deep emotions therefore that such a gargantuan era is climaxing. He is surely leaving the stage of governance far better than he met it and his legacies in Akwa Ibom State will remain imperishable! We trust that with a worthy successor, the light will be kept shining!

He said Mr Emmanuel will be held in high esteem forever for his humane character, love for the people and the general improvement in the wellbeing of Akwa Ibom State as seen throughout his era and offered royal blessings for him, his wife and family in his future endeavours.