The number of groups that have openly resolved to work for the re-election of Governor Udom Emmanuel in 2019 has increased following a notice to that effect by Ibom Patriots, a conglomeration of front line politicians from Akwa Ibom State.
The declaration by Ibom Patriots on Monday October 23, 2017 during a breakfast meeting with the Governor at Government House, Uyo was first demonstrated by the induction of Governor Emmanuel as the grand patron of the socio political organization.
Governor Emmanuel while reacting to earlier remarks by Ibom Patriots appreciated members for the reaffirmation of their trust in what his administration was doing in the state and promised not to betray the trust.
He thanked them for the opportunity and expressed optimism that God would strengthen the organization and cause members to be stronger in order to achieve set goals.
The Governor who said he owed the people explanation on matters affecting the state spoke of Government's effort at developing facilties and improving the economy of Akwa Ibom despite recession.
He said Government was working to launch what he called Power For All by 2019 having drafted the entire model and announced that over 7 billion naira was needed for the whole state to be lit.
Governor Emmanuel said he was in discussion with the Minister of Power, Babatunde Fashola to achieve that purpose while also working to put in place Standard Power Substations at Ekim, Mkpat Enin L.G.A, Oron and the Uyo Capital City around the stadium.
According to the Governor, meters to be produced at the Metering Company in Akwa Ibom are to be programmed to function as handsets where scratch cards are bought to upload at user's convenience stressing that the essence is to make life simpler for the people.
The Governor told Ibom Patriots that by January 2017, that the runway at the Ibom International Airport was upgraded to Category Two noting that even during heavy harmattan, aeroplanes could still land safely.
He frowned at certain acts apparently aimed at frustrating Government's development effort and stated that the theft of some state of the art facilities at the General Hospital, Etinan shortly after they were inaugurated by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo was allegedly masterminded by a Matron in that hospital.
According to the Governor, some investors who came to build a residential estate off the airport road had to abandon the site due to unwarranted litany of litigations that thrilled that investment.
On the Tropicana project, Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo, the State Chief Executive informed his guests that it will be handled on Lease and Buy Back Basis which will begin with the hotel section while 3 million dollars is needed in addition to the 4.2 million dollars already paid by the State Government to make the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel at lkot Ekepene fully operational.
He said on Ibom Specialist Hospital, millions of dollars have been paid by his administration as working capital to the head of that institution who allegedly bolted away.
The challenge at the Le Meridien Ibom Hotel was also discussed by the Governor who explained that he had an interface with authorities of the hotel management to get the place to operate as a business concern.
In the same vein, the alleged abandonment of his predecessor's legacy projects including Uyo-Ikot Ekepene road was refuted by Governor Emmanuel who said money was being paid to the contracting firm that handles the road to ensure its completion.
The Governor also expressed displeasure over the extortion of money from students in some public schools by the authorities even when Government had paid grants to schools.
Mr Emmanuel who warned purveyors of falsehood not to create problems where none exists also emphasized on the need to build a strong economy for democracy to thrive and highlighted other issues of concern to the Ibom Patriots.
Earlier, the Chancellor of Ibom Patriots, Obong Bassey Inuaeyen told the Governor that they were out to compliment efforts by other groups to work for his re-emergence as Governor in 2019 and remain with him till 2023.
Obong Inuaeyen said the resolution became imperative in view of members believe in the Governor's ability, credibility, capacity and all that it takes to lead the state to the land of promise.
The Chancellor whose speech preceeded the Induction of the State Chief Executive as the Grand Patron said that the office of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State remains the symbol of collective dignity of the people which they were out to defend at all times.
He said everybody must respect that office and by extension its occupant and promised that the Ibom Patriots will work with the Governor to achieve what the people expect from the State Government.
The Director of Information and Publicity in Ibom Patriots, Dr Godwin Ntukude had earlier introduced the Chancellor, Obong Bassey Inuaeyen, Deputy Chancellor, Rt. Hon. Okpolopum Etteh, Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Barr. Usenobong Akapabio and other members of the entourage to their host.
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