Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel has vowed to provide more social services- education, health-care delivery service, infrastructure, empowering the youths, women and the downtrodden to justify his victory at the governorship election petitions tribunal.
Emmanuel elected for a second term in office on March 9 under Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is being criticised by many for not doing much to improve the well-being of the citizenry in the state during his first term in the office despite the huge monthly allocations from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee, FAAC.
The Governor stated this Friday while addressing a crowd at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, coming to congratulate him on his victory described the victory as a re-affirmation of the people’s mandate.
Emmanuel noted that the tribunal victory has placed a huge burden of leadership on him, assuring of his commitment to deliver on his mandate.
Hear him: “The issue is not about the judiciary. It is an affirmation of the mandate of the people. What matters most is that we can now stay and focus on how to improve on education, healthcare, empowerment of the youths, women, taking care of the downtrodden and other issues that will touch the grassroots.”
He saw the tribunal judgment as divinely arranged, and expressed the hope that God would defend the judgment whenever the need arises, maintaining that the voice of the people is the voice of God.
In their reactions, Dr. Glory Edet, the Commissioner of Agriculture and Women Affairs, said that the victory is an indication of God’s love for Akwa Ibom State, as it portends a double celebration for the people of the state at the state celebrates her 32nd creation anniversary.
Also, Mr. Uwemedimo Nwoko, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, said the judgment was a confirmation of Akwa Ibom people’s mandate willingly given to the governor.
Nwoko said having followed the proceedings carefully, the tribunal could not have decided otherwise on the petition that lacked elements of truth.
The Eket local government chairman and chairman, Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Frank Archibong, remarked that the victory is the best gift Akwa Ibom people have received on the state 32nd creation anniversary.
Archibong said the Tribunal would not have done otherwise and described the victory as a reflection of the wishes of Akwa Ibom people at the grassroots.
He lauded Governor Emmanuel’s political inclusion agenda, describing him as Governor for all who is making effort to put things right in the state.
On his part, Mr. Ephraim Inyangeyen, the Commissioner of Works, said Akwa Ibom people are glad to have a governor like Udom Emmanuel who is creating enabling environment to attract industries for wealth creation.
Inyangeyen maintained that the Governor’s commitment to industrialisation has manifested in the establishment of Flour Mill, Plywood Industries and a digitalised Power Station to be inaugurated by Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo on Saturday as part of the activities marking the state’s 32nd creation anniversary.
The International President of Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Akparawa Patrick Udofia congratulated the Governor on his victory, and assured him that God would stand by him to complete his eight years’ tenure as done by others in Uyo and Ikot Ekpene senatorial districts.