Akpabio assures Akwa-Ibom of development as state partners FHA on mass housing
Kunle Sanni
The Senate Presidens Godswill Akpabio has reaffirmed the National Assembly’s support and cooperation for the development of Akwa Ibom State, beginning with the construction of mass housing on 50 hectares of land for the project’s launch.
Senator Akpabio made the pledge at the grand reception organised for him by the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State at the weekend where he alongside the state Governor, Umo Eno were presented with awards of excellence for their services to the State and Nigeria as a whole.
Addressing attendees at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium which attracted people across party lines, Akpabio said he would work with Governor Eno to attract dividends of democracy to the State.
He also urged the governor to continue with his policy of unifying the State across party lines.
A statement by the Special Assistant to the President of the Senate on Media/Communication, Anietie Ekong, quoted Akpabio as saying “My colleagues have asked me to tell you that the National Assembly will work with you irrespective of political party lines to succeed as Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
“We will support you to succeed. You want to attract federal projects to Akwa Ibom State, we will support you to achieve that,” he said.
Akpabio urged Governor Eno to remain true to his calling as a Man of God.
Addressing the Governor, he said: “You came into office as a Pastor, don’t leave as a Mister. Hold on to that God that you worship, that God that you became a Pastor for will see you through even after your tenure as Governor,” he said.
On his part, Governor Eno expressed gratitude to Senator Akpabio and the people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District for the support they have given his administration and the award bestowed on him.
Governor Eno promised to redouble his efforts in bringing dividends of democracy to the people and to showcase Akwa Ibom State as a united State where the people speak with one voice.
In his goodwill message, Deputy Senate President, 𝐉𝐮𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐮 who led over 80 National Assembly members to the event, expressed the confidence of the legislators on the capacity of Senator Akpabio to lead them.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗷𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻 𝗞𝗮𝗹𝘂 described Akpabio as a jinx breaker who broke the 59-year jinx to be elected as an Executive member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union from Nigeria.
He commended Senator Akpabio for the passage of the South East Development Commission Bill which he said when signed into law will change the development paradigm of the region.
High point of the homecoming event for the Senate President was the adoption of a motion by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) 𝐎𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦 𝐄𝐤𝐩𝐨 for Senator Akpabio to be adopted as sole candidate to represent the Senatorial District in 2027.
The people through a resounding voice vote unanimously adopted Senator Akpabio as their sole candidate in 2027.
High point of the homecoming event for the Senate President was the adoption of a motion by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) 𝐎𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦 𝐄𝐤𝐩𝐨 for Senator Akpabio to be adopted as sole candidate to represent the Senatorial District in 2027.
