29th May, 2017
Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has condemned the spate of blackmails and hate media campaigns by certain opposition elements against his government, stating that it is a “clog in the wheel of our progress as a people.”
Emmanuel who spoke during the events to celebrate his second year in office, wondered why people were still engaging in campaigns of falsehood, hatred and blackmail even two years after election had been won and lost since 2015?
The governor, who harped on the need to separate politics from patriotism posited that “Instead of being professionals in the profitless business of pulling others down, let us all be experts in the lucrative business of forgiveness.”
He said it was not time for “anger, the resentment, the bitterness, and the desire for recrimination against people,” explaining that “this can only deaden our spirit and lead to self-inflicted wounds.”
He assured that he came with his team to serve Akwa Ibom people and shall not be deterred until he accomplishes his mission.
Emmanuel said this year’s celebration was an opportunity to “celebrate prosperity, report progress and renew our deep and unbridled commitment to the development of our beloved State; the land of Promise, of undying hopes, dreams and aspirations.”
He attributed the milestones of his administration’s success since 2015 to the spirit of God saying “it is not by our power or by our might.”
Dedicating the gains of the last two years to the people of the state, Emmanuel asserted that, “our victory remains your victory and our mandate shall continue to be your mandate, and we remain committed to impacting your lives and bringing meaningful developments that will help change your circumstance.”
Emmanuel, who congratulated the president and all Nigerians on the 18 years of democracy in Nigeria after several years of military rule and truncated starts, maintained that it is the collective responsibility of all to make the best out of the opportunity.
In his words, “democratic values, traditions and culture have been embraced and internalized by Nigerians and that’s a great and wonderful thing worthy of celebrating, which is what we are doing today.”
The Governor who explained that his two years in the saddle have presented Akwa Ibom as a shining example of good governance, posited that without good governance,democracy may not be well appreciated.
“This anniversary is worth celebrating for we have worked to make our people realize that dividends of democracy also exists beyond the literary definition,” said the governor, who took time to highlight some of his achievements which have endeared him to the people.
Emmanuel described his as a government that is grounded on result and not merely on applause and asserted that, “In just two years, we have built on that foundation of greatness, and defied a tempestuous economic climate to put finishing touches on a marvelous edifice for posterity.
While eulogizing the moral rebirth programme of his government, the Dakkada philosophy, he explained that “we encouraged our people… to come out of the cocoon of self-pity and burst forth to claim the faith of greatness which God almighty has endowed us all, with.”