Akwa Ibom outgoing governor, Udom Emmanuel has bidden members of the 22-member State Executive Council goodbye.
Emmanuel, who presided over the EXCO meeting was held at State Executive Council chambers, Governor’s Office, Uyo, ruled the state from May 29, 2015 to May 29, 2023.
Though the governor did not openly pronounce dissolution of the EXCO, public analysts and administrators viewed Friday’s EXCO meeting as Valedictory service to cabinet members of the Emmanuel administration.
A press release issued by Comrade Ini Ememobong, Akwa Ibom outgoing Commissioner for Information and Strategy, said the meeting commenced at 9 a.m. with the swearing in of two Permanent Secretaries.
They are Mrs Imaobong Sylvester Okon and Surveyor Mrs Emem Paul Isang, who were previously Chief Confidential Secretary to the Governor and Surveyor-General, respectively. The oath taking was witnessed by Commissioners and Permanent Secretaries.
‘‘After the event, the Executive Council excused visitors and went on to adopt the minutes of the last meeting. The Governor thanked all members for their commitment to the service of the state.
‘‘All the Ministries gave a status update of their projects and intimated that there were many projects that either had been completed, or are at advanced stages of execution,’’ Ememobong stated.
According to him, ‘‘The Governor responded that since government is a continuum, the next administration will undertake the commissioning of the projects in the early days of their administration.
‘‘Members of the Council took turns to appreciate the Governor for the leadership he has offered in the discharge of his leadership of the state. They stated their personal and official experiences where the Governor showed up for them in a very special way.’’
‘‘The Deputy Governor expressed the appreciation of the entire government and people of our state, wishing the Governor the best in his future endeavours,’’ he added.
Insider told Straightnews online that the governor wanted to hold the meeting with the commissioners and other political appointees.
Political pundits saw the meeting as the last one since it was gathered that the outgoing administration cleared most of their entitlements.
Meanwhile, as the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel gradually winds down, a Valedictory Service is scheduled to hold Sunday, May 28, 2023, at the International Worship Centre at the Banking layout in Uyo by 10 a.m.
The event coincides with the dedication of the Worship Centre as an altar unto God by the State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel.
According to Comrade Ememobong, the Valedictory Service will be beamed live through Television Stations including: AIT, Channels and AKBC TV for the benefit of the viewing public.
