Former President Goodluck Jonathan, Governor Diri of Bayelsa state, as well as two former state governors, have lauded Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, over his development drive in the state from 2015.
Speaking as a special guest of honour at the state banquet organized by the Akwa Ibom state government as part of activities to mark the 35th anniversary of the state creation, former President Jonathan acknowledged the contribution of Governor Udom Emmanuel and past leaders of the state to milestone development.
The former President observed that there were a visible improvements in the areas of physical infrastructure and other basic amenities across all local government areas, within the period of thirty-five years.
His words: “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.”
While commending the efforts of the current Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel, in laying a solid foundation for future development of the state, Jonathan warned 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 said.
Read Also: Enugu 2023: Group drums support for PDP Guber candidate
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.
“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.
He reeled out the scorecard of his administration and reiterated his commitment to continue to work for the benefit of the people despite the global economic and financial challenges, adding that he was not given to accepting excuses but results.
The event featured the cutting of an anniversary cake to celebrate the state at 35 amidst cultural dance by various troupes.
The governor presented the “Ibom Productivity Order of Merit Award” to fourteen persons, who were adjudged as distinguished and trailblazers in their various fields of endeavours ranging from journalism, entrepreneurship, and ICT to public service.
Two former governors, Ibrahim Dakwambo of Gombe state and Gabriel Suswam of Benue state, and the wife of ex-president Goodluck Jonathan, Dame Jonathan, including Deputy Governor of the state, Mr Moses Ekpo, who proposed the 35th Anniversary toast were also present at the remarkable event.
Follow The Trumpet on all our social media platforms for more updates:
