I am not fighting the opposition but blackmailers – Governor Emmanuel
By: Patrick Titus, Uyo.
The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel said he is not wrestling against activities of the opposition party in the state but that of the apostles of blackmail, ethnicity and rivalry whose stock in trade is to destroy the pride of the state and create disharmony among people.
Emmanuel, who spoke during a grand reception ceremony organized by Ikot Ekpene Consultative Assembly in honour of some industrious sons and daughters of the district of the state, maintained that it was high time they turned a new leaf.
According to Governor Emmanuel, they should guide their utterances and utter words that build rather than provoke sentiments that could threaten the peace prevalent in the state.
“I want to also advise you to rather dissipate such energies in viable ventures including establishment of industries or partnering with the state government to revitalize the moribund industries in the state in order to create wealth besides generating employment opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths.”
Governor Emmanuel who asserted that the legal battle over the April 11, governorship election in the state had been settled with the recent Supreme Court ruling which affirmed him as the duly elected governor of the state from the said poll, called on everybody to join hands together with his government to move the state forward.
The ceremony which took place at Ikot Ekpene township stadium saw Governor Emmanuel Udom given a sword and shield, a symbol of defense for him to fight and defend the interest of Akwa Ibom people both in the state and outside. Also, the deputy governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo, immediate past governor now a Senator and his wife, Senator Godswill Akpabio among others were awrded.
Meanwhile, the leadership of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state has advised supporters and members of the party to remain calm in the face of the Supreme Court verdict which adjudged Udom Emmanuel of Peoples Democratic Party as having won the poll.
In a release signed by the state chapter chairman of the party, Dr. Amadu Atai urged them not to be discouraged by the outcome of the ruling, but remain resolute as the party was sure of making more gains from some expected federal appointments.
According to Dr. Atai, “APC will make gains from the expected appointments from the centre and advised members and supporters not to be disillusioned by the unexpected verdict.”
He added that “the outcome of the judgment will only strengthen the party and put it in a better position to consolidate, with a view to controlling the state in future polls.”
The APC Chairman commended the governorship candidate of the party in the April 11 poll, Obong Umana Okon Umana for his resilience in bracing all odds to bring justice to the good people Akwa Ibom State.
He said that APC would draw up some vital recommendations to the National Assembly, including the deployment of electronic gadgets to perfect the electoral process in future elections. This according to him, would be taken during the party’s enlarged meeting soon to be held after consultation with leaders and stakeholders of the party.
Atai thanked members of the party including, Obong Umana, his running mate; Ben Ukpong, executive members and other stakeholders for sustainable faith, dedication and hardwork in protecting the ideals of democracy for the people.
