Akwa Ibom Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel says the unity of the state is non-negotiable and that whoever tries to destroy the state would not succeed.
Mr. Emmanuel, who made the remark Tuesday at Government House Banquet hall, Uyo during the swearing-in ceremony of Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG), stated “We have only one project – project Akwa Ibom State. And let me also say it here, let no man try to put asunder in this one big family that we call Akwa Ibom family.
“Nobody ever predicted where he was to be born. You can never tell who the saviour is by the roadside. God can never come down himself to touch men. So, let’s treat each person with absolute respect,” the governor said.
Tasking Ekuwem to bring his wealth of experience to bear in the ongoing industrialization drive of the state administration, he enjoined the new SSG to utilize his thorough contact with meaningful individuals and organizations globally to attract investments in the State, explaining that such economic linkage would afford the youths opportunities of sustainable employment as they graduate from school.
The Governor described Ekeuwem as a man of integrity and great talent, who is celebrated across the world and added, “you are not just a pride of Mbo or Oro nation or Akwa Ibom State, you are a very big pride of Nigeria” while expressing delight at his expertise in the telecommunications business
He congratulated the new SSG on his appointment, and remarked that the crowd of people present at the occasion was an indication of his wide acceptance, emphasizing, “so much is expected from us, especially with you now on board, so we must deliver and work in unison in that partnership for people to feel the impact”.
Emmanuel who acknowledged the abundance of talented individuals in the state, said, “The greatest asset God has given us are our people”, noting that it is apt to harness such talents to make a difference in interpreting the vision of his administration in the development of the state.
The State Chief Executive, who said that inclusiveness is one of the governing platforms of his administration, maintained that he is poised in ensuring that every part of the state has a sense of belonging and remain in the path of unity.
His words, “I will do everything possible to make sure every part of this state has a deep sense of belonging- that we are all one, joined by common destiny and our unity, I repeat, is non-negotiable. Our common ethos remains our binding instrument and our fidelity to the Akwa Ibom project remains sacrosanct.”
He lauded the immediate past SSG, Sir Umoren for his selfless service to the state, describing him as a great ally, whose diligent service added value to the mission of the administration and helped in deepening developmental strides of the state.
The ceremony was witnessed by Moses Ekpo, the Deputy Governor; Martha, wife of the Governor; Onofiok Luke, Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly; Justice Godwin Abraham, the State Chief Judge; Paul Ekpo, the State Chairman of the PDP, Paul Ekpo; Sir Etekamba Umoren, the immediate past SSG and other top government functionaries.
