Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has said that the “clog in the wheel of our progress as a people” has been the spate of blackmails and hate media campaigns by certain opposition elements against his government.
Governor Emmanuel, who spoke during the events to celebrate his second year in office, wondered why people engage in the campaigns of falsehood, hatred and blackmail even two years after election had been won and lost.
Governor Emmanuel appealed to such people to separate politics from patriotism, adding: “instead of being professionals in the profitless business of pulling others down, let us all be experts in the lucrative business of forgiveness.
“This is no time for anger, resentment, bitterness and desire for recrimination against people. Those sentiments can only deaden our spirit and lead to self-inflicted wounds.”
He said that he had come to serve Akwa Ibom people and that he shall not be deterred until he accomplishes his mission.
Governor Emmanuel said that this year’s celebration was an opportunity to celebrate prosperity, report progress and renew the deep and unbridled commitment to the development of the State which he christined: “the land of Promise.”
He attributed the milestones of his administration’s success since 2015 to the spirit of God.
The governor dedicated the gains of the last two years to the people of the state.
“our victory remains your victory and our mandate shall continue to be your mandate, and we remain committed to impacting your lives and bringing meaningful developments that will help change your circumstance.”
Governor Emmanuel who congratulated the president and all Nigerians on the 18 years of democracy in Nigeria after several years of military rule and truncated starts, maintained that it is the collective responsibility of all to make the best out of the opportunity.
“Democratic values, traditions and culture have been embraced and internalized by Nigerians and that’s a great and wonderful thing worthy of celebrating, which is what we are doing today.”
The Governor said that his two years in the saddle have made Akwa Ibom to be a shining example of good governance, saying that without good governance,democracy may not be well appreciated.
“This anniversary is worth celebrating for we have worked to make our people realize that dividends of democracy also exists beyond the literary definition.”
He took time to highlight some of his achievements which have endeared him to the people.
Emmanuel described his as a government that is grounded on result and not merely on applause.
“In just two years, we have built on that foundation of greatness, and defied a tempestuous economic climate to put finishing touches on a marvelous edifice for posterity.”
He looked at what he called “moral rebirth programme” of his government, including the Dakkada philosophy and said: “we encouraged our people to come out of the cocoon of self-pity and burst forth to claim the faith of greatness which God almighty has endowed us all, with.” [myad]
