Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel says his government is on course to reposition the state for greatness in spite of the challenges confronting it.
Emmanuel who stated this Tuesday in his 2018 Christmas broadcast to the people in radio and television stations wanted the residents to remain peaceful and continue to support his government in 2019.
This is even as President Muhammadu Buhari in his Christmas message asked Nigerians to embrace love, peace and hospitality.
Buhari urged the populace to reflect on the “message of hope, compassion, salvation, reconciliation, forgiveness and peace that Jesus Christ embodies and conveys.”
The governor said that Akwa Ibom was a Christian state, shaped by Christian values to remain peaceful and do well to people irrespective of their social standing.
He said that as a leader, he would continue to do his best to project the image of the state in global perspective.
“This particular Christmas broadcast is significant in a number of ways. I am speaking to you my dear people before the 2019 electioneering begin in earnest which will end with the election proper.
“I am hopeful by this time next year with your support we will continue the good works we have started together in rewriting the Akwa Ibom story.
“You will agree with me, that the Akwa Ibom story requires bold new chapters and those chapters are what, together, with your support we have written glowingly in the past three and half years,” Emmanuel said.
He said that Akwa Ibom people have reason to be thankful to God and support his administration due to the developmental stride and peace experienced in the state so far.
He said: “Politics will come and go, but Akwa Ibom will remain non-negotiable and sacrosanct. May we have a peaceful and violence-free electioneering and elections come 2019.”
The governor appreciated the public servants for their steadfastness, adding that he has graciously approved Christmas bonus to all public servants in the state.
Meanwhile, Akwa Ibom government has approved Christmas bonus to public servants in the state.
A press release from Mrs Ekereobong Akpan, the state Head of Civil Service, lauded the Mr. Emmanuel whom she described as workers’ friendly governor.
According to the release, “Aside from the core civil service, this benevolence extends to all workers in the Unified Local Government Service, parastatals and all teachers in our public schools including primary schools.
“By this kind gesture of Governor Emmanuel, the extra expenses usually incured during the yuletide would be effectively cushioned.
“All public servants should expect another alert in addition to the December salaries already paid,” it stated.
