An indigenous group in the South-South region of the country, the Akwa Ibom United Forum for Peace and Stability, has described the former governor of the state, Udom Emmanuel, as a professional and politician that looks beyond now to the next generation.
Chairman of the group, Wilson Akpan, made this statement at the group’s annual thanksgiving and general meeting held on Monday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state capital.
Emmanuel was governor of Akwa Ibom state between 2015 and 2023.
The former governor, according to Akpan, left a very strong legacy across all sectors of the state economy.
He said, “Mr Emmanuel is a professional in politics. His landmark achievements cut across aviation, job creation and infrastructure development, amongst others. Mr Udom Emmanuel did so much with the establishment of Ibom Air which has become one of the biggest airlines in Nigeria and the West Africa sub-region. He opened the economy of the state to the outer world.”
Secretary of the group, Chief Okon Emmanuel said the administration of Udom Emmanuel redefined achievements in Akwa Ibom state.
He said, “With his landmark achievements in Akwa Ibom, Mr Emmanuel has restored Akwa Ibom state and put it on the right track. He constructed a road from the Airport directly from the town. He built infrastructures. He was one of the few governors that invested heavily in the establishment of industries. He established the syringe industry which is the biggest in Africa. He built the flour mill.
“Beyond this, he also built infrastructures across the state. In terms of education, he made education free and compulsory for all residents in Akwa Ibom. On security, the state was peaceful and this is because he was able to build a very strong relationship with the people and the security agencies.”
A member of the group and an aviation expert, Udoh Etefom commended the intervention of the former governor in the aviation sector.
According to him, the former governor during his tenure made Akwa Ibom state very attractive to investors.
He said, “The people of Akwa Ibom and indeed Nigerians are very happy that Udom Emmanuel left a very strong legacy in the aviation industry. This singular act has promoted Akwa Ibom to the international community. It has also brought relief to the people in terms of being able to fly out of Akwa Ibom.
“Emmanuel united the Akwa Ibom people. Akwa Ibom, today, is peaceful by virtue of what the former governor put on the ground. He is a distinguished Nigerian who believes in the unity of Nigeria and he has also extended a hand of fellowship to people from other regions. He created employment for the teeming youth population.
“He is accessible to everyone, he sustained love, and togetherness and created a strong partnership with the people of the state. Udom, a committed Christian and a lover of God, a man who supported the kingdom projects even before he became a governor successfully built the biggest tabernacle in the state for the worship of God. He is a silent achiever who doesn’t blow any trumpet but sees life as an agent of change.
“He is a believer in a united Nigeria, a detribalised Nigerian. Akwa Ibom people will continue to celebrate the smiling former governor.”
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