•Governor Eno welcomes former Governor Attah to the occasion
TONY UDOH, Uyo reporting
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has harped on the need for a united foundation to further the state’s development trajectory and achieve the dreams of its forebears.
Speaking at the gala night to mark the state’s 37th anniversary, held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, Governor Eno expressed delight at seeing Akwa Ibom stakeholders from all political divides gather to celebrate the grand event.
The governor emphasised that loyalty to political parties or cleavages to ethnic nationalities should not debar the state from achieving its developmental goals, stressing that the Akwa Ibom flag must always fly higher above every other consideration.
He said at 37, the state has recorded laudable strides courtesy of the quality leaders produced by the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, over the years.
The governor appreciated his predecessors and other leaders for their interest in the Akwa Ibom project, and assured that he will continue to run an all inclusive administration which will further promote peace, security and prosperity across the state.
The State Chief Executive Officer used the occasion to honour some Akwa Ibom indigenes who have made laudable marks in their careers including the first indigenous female Commissioner of Police, Regina Cosmas Udoette, and the Mayor of Upper Arlington, Ohio, in the United States of America, Mayor Ukeme Awakessien Jeter.
He also honoured service commanders of the Nigeria Correctional Service, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Mr Julius Ezugwu, and Mr Eluyemi Eluwade respectively. While Ezugwu is retiring from service, Eluwade has been transferred from the state.
The governor equally honoured 12 Akwa Ibomites referred to as ARISE Ambassadors, who have demonstrated selflessness in their service and contributions to the development of the state.
In his remark, former governor, Obong Victor Attah, said the state has been blessed with good leaders, and commended Governor Eno for his development efforts, especially at keeping the state together.
Also, former military administrator, Col. Yakubu Bako (retd) who said the state has been on an upward trajectory, described Governor Umo Eno as a compassionate leader, whose disposition has motivated a lot of people to do things right.
He recalled that for 16 years, efforts were made to bring all the leaders in the state together but failed, and commended Governor Eno for succeeding in his reconciliation moves barely over a year in office.
Similarly, National Treasurer of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ahmed Yayari Mohammed, who was accompanied by the National Woman Leader, Stella Effah-Attoe, said a visit to Akwa Ibom could make one forget that one is still in Nigeria.
They described Akwa Ibom as a pace setter and pride of the party, urging the governor and other leaders not to rest on their oars.
On his part, former deputy governor, Obong Nsima Ekere said at 37, the state has every reason to celebrate, and commended the governor for bringing human face to governance and for his strides in different development areas especially, agriculture, education, and housing, among others.
Mayor Ukeme Awakessien Jeter appreciated the governor for the honour done her to be part of the anniversary, and affirmed her continued support as a good ambassador of the state.
Beneficiary of the ARISE Compassionate home in Ugep, Cross River State, Mr. Ubi Obono Abam, and daughter, Miss Arit Abam, who were at the event, appreciated the governor for extending his compassionate leadership to them in far away Cross River State, and prayed for more blessings on the governor and the state in general.
