Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel, has railed at marginalization of the state by federal government in the disbursement of funds for infrastructural development especially roads.
Emmanuel stated this Friday when elders of Eket Senatorial District Leaders’ Forum led by their Chairman, Chief Nduese Essien, paid him a solidarity visit at Government House, Uyo.
“As a state that produces resources that fund infrastructural development in the country, Akwa Ibom deserves particular attention, at least, in road infrastructure,” he stated, imploring the central government to accord the state a sense of belonging in this direction.
According to him,”The Federal Government has disbursed money for infrastructural development and we are yet to benefit from one kilometre of road as a state. They should, at least, look at the senatorial district that produces the resources which is used to fund infrastructural development of the whole country.”
On the 2019 as an election year, Emmanuel described the “noise and drums in the social media because of elections as unnecessary”, noting that “Nigeria as a country has gone through several elections over the years and has gotten to a level of maturity.”
“People who are mature, don’t make noise, they pass a message. And I want to believe that the message we are passing to the outside world is that Akwa Ibom remains in unity, peace and love for one another and with that, we believe we should be able to move our state forward,” the Governor noted.
While expressing hope that 2018 would be a better year for the state, he thanked the group for visiting him to interact and rub minds in the New Year, saying that gives him a sense of belonging and confidence that he has the support of his senatorial district.
Earlier, the leader of the Forum, Chief Essien, had commended Eket, Ikot Ekpene and Uyo senatorial districts for their unwavering support to the Udom administration, and stated that the forum has passed a vote of confidence on the governor.
Essien stated, “As your senatorial district, we are committed to the success of your administration and we will never rest on our oars to ensure that your eight years as governor remains sacrosanct.”
He lauded the numerous developmental projects undertaken by the Governor Emmanuel administration across Eket senatorial district, and appealed for more based on the improvement of the state economy, pointing out that the zone is unassailably positioned as the treasure base of the state.
Essien, who applauded the governor on the choice of Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem as Secretary to the State Government, maintained that with the appointment, Oron Federal Constituency has come alive as their yearning for an all-inclusive government has been fulfilled.
In the entourage were: Dr. Esio Oqwong Udoh, Senator Helen Esuene, Mrs. Valerie Ebe, Okpulopum Ette, Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi, Francis Uduyok and Felicia Bassey, the State House of Assembly Deputy Speaker, among others.
