The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio said he would continue to work, across party lines, for the peace, unity and development of Akwa Ibom State.
Akpabio made the pledge at the Thanksgiving Mass in honour of Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, at Our Lady of Mercy Chaplaincy, in Abak Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State on Saturday.
“As an elder statesman, my major concern now is to work for the peace and unity of the state and by extension Nigeria.
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“I am not interested in any kind of war. I am more interested in bringing development to the state. If there should be any competition amongst us, let it be in the overall interest of our people, like competing for development and life-changing projects for our people.
“If the governor is bringing a project to street or road A, as the President of the Senate, I should be seen working on bringing water or electricity to street or road B. That is the kind of competition I want to see and not unnecessary bickering that brings no good to our people,” Akapbio said.
He lauded Hon Ekpo for remembering to thank God after his nomination and swearing in as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and member of the Federal Executive Council.
The Senate President noted that “we are who and what we are today because God made it possible for it to be so. It is, therefore, imperative that we give thanks always. I thank you for not forgetting the God who made it possible for you to be who you are today.
“Let me also use this opportunity to, once again, thank President Bola Tinubu for supporting an Akwa Ibom son to occupy the number 3 position in the country. It has never happened since the creation of our dear state.”
Speaking at the Thanksgiving Mass, Pastor Umo Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, reiterated the determination of his administration under his watch to ensure inclusive governance devoid of political, tribal and allied sentiments to fast tract peace, unity and the state development.
Governor Eno maintained that the state under his leadership would continue to celebrate every Akwa Ibomite who attains a milestone irrespective of political affiliation.
The Governor described as unprecedented having Akwa Ibomites across party lines happily and peacefully seated under one roof.
He observed that the gathering was rare in the history of the state, stressing that it is his desire to ensure that the feat remains the Akwa Ibom story.
Governor Eno who had earlier received the minister on a courtesy visit at Government House, Uyo, assured that the State will support and collaborate with the Minister to engender development for the State and nation.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for appointing several Akwa Ibomites into various positions in his administration.
The Governor used the opportunity to appreciate the Senate President, Chief Godswill Akpabio, for assisting Akwa Ibomites to serve at the national level.
“We thank God for giving us somebody at that level who will always work for the interest of the nation and also remember Akwa Ibom State because charity must begin at home.”
The State Chief Executive reassured everyone that with focus on the ARISE Agenda, the state will continue to remain on the fast lane of development to the benefit of every well-meaning Akwa Ibomite.
Earlier at the service, Minister for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekpo said he was at the event to celebrate with a son of Akwa Ibom whom God has elevated as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Ekpo stated that his sudden introduction to President Bola Tinubu by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, as the ministerial nominee from the state looked like a joke to him.
According to him, “When I was formally introduced to President Tinubu by my leader and President of the Senate for this ministerial appointment, it looked like a joke to me. Subsequently my name was announced as a nominee and when I appeared before the Senate, I was told to take a bow. Today, I am a Minister of the Federal Republic.”
Ekpo said he was in God’s presence to return all thanks to God for using President Tinubu and Senator Akpabio to make his appointment possible.
“I am here today with my family to return thanks to God Almighty for making today possible. I also thank our dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, for finding me worthy of this appointment.’’
Ekpo pledged his readiness to do his best for the state, its citizens and Nigeria as a whole, to ensuring that Nigeria reaps from its enormous gas resources for the country’s development.
