In a bid to promote good governance in Akwa Ibom State, the Niger-Delta Youth Alliance for Good Governance, Akwa Ibom State chapter, has called on Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to redirect his energy towards delivering the dividends of democracy, instead of attacking the immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel.
The group, led by Chairman Iniobong Ekpenyong and Secretary Silas Etuk, expressed their concerns in a statement released in Uyo on Tuesday. The statement condemned Akpabio’s recent remarks made during a visit from Governor Umo Eno and his entourage at his residence in Abuja, as well as comments made during a Thanksgiving Service/reception held by Nyesom Wike in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The group described these comments as unwarranted and denigrating.
The group acknowledged Akpabio’s hard work and track record of performance as a PDP governor of Akwa Ibom, which ultimately led to his emergence as the senate president. They advised him to leverage this position by partnering with the current governor of the state, who has shown a willingness to work with the Federal Government for the development of Akwa Ibom.
“The Niger Delta Youth Alliance for Good Governance frowns at some remarks made by Senator Akpabio concerning the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, particularly those made during the visit of Governor Umo Eno and his entourage in Abuja, and those issued during a Thanksgiving Service/reception held by Mr. Nyesom Wike in Port Harcourt, Rivers State,” the group stated.
“We implore Senator Godswill Akpabio to live up to the expectations of the Akwa Ibom people by collaborating with Governor Umo Eno, who has expressed his interest in working with the Federal Government for the development of the State. Akpabio should make this his primary focus,” the statement added.
The group commended Governor Eno for demonstrating support towards the senate president’s efforts in developing Akwa Ibom State, regardless of their political party differences. They urged Akpabio not to use this avenue as an opportunity to castigate the former governor and create conflict between him and his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel.
Highlighting the excellent relationship that existed between Udom Emmanuel and Akpabio during Emmanuel’s tenure, the group emphasized that no governor in Nigeria protected his predecessor the way Udom Emmanuel protected Akpabio. They recalled how Emmanuel blocked the Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) from investigating Akpabio’s alleged 108 billion Naira fraud.
