Reception for you a testament of goodwill, ex-NDDC MD Akwa tells Akpabio – Blueprint Newspapers Limited

The former managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Efiong Okon Akwa, Sunday, congratulated the Senate President, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, on the reception organised for him by the people of Ikot Ekpene senatorial district.

The event which took place at Ikot Ekpene Stadium, weekend, had in attendance the Akwa Ibom state governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, and other senators, the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, both current and federal appointees, former National Assembly lawmakers, both serving and former political appointees in the state, business class amongst others.

Akwa, who was amongst the high profile dignitaries at the event noted that the positive impacts of Senator Akpabio within and outside the state has been overwhelming,  adding that his reception by his own people is a testament to his goodwill, being reciprocated by his people. 

Akwa, who is currently serving as a council member, representing the Private Sector (South-South region) in the National Council on Privatization at the Presidency, further noted that: “Senator Akpabio, being a former governor, former Senate Minority Leader, former minister and now a Senate President deserves more, and I want to appreciate the people of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District for this honour done him. 

“Since when he was the governor of Akwa Ibom state, Akpabio introduced ‘Uncommon Transformation’ and his footprints are still visible till today. 

“In 2018 when he promised to link Akwa Ibom to the center, many people thought it won’t be possible, but today, Akwa Ibom state and indeed the entire South-south has been linked to the center through Senator Akpabio. 

“He means well for his people and you can see from the crowd that his people love him. Show me any politician from this state that can gather this kind of crowd without any financial inducement. But all these people you are seeing here today, came in solidarity with Senator Akpabio without any financial benefit. He is a gift to Akkwa Ibom, a sellable product that can be marketed anywhere in the world. That is why this epoch-making event is taking place today,” he said.

Senator Akpabio said he would work with Governor Eno to attract dividends of democracy to the state.

“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. 

Governor Umo 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. 

He 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 speaks with one voice. 

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 Ekperikpe 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.