Akpabio: I Want Peace, Devt, Not War in Akwa Ibom

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has said he was committed to achieving peace and development for Akwa Ibom State and not to encourage any form of war.
The former governor of the state, declared this weekend during the Thanksgiving Mass held in honour of the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo.

The Senate President, who is a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, pledged to continue to work for the peace and development of Akwa Ibom State, which is currently being controlled by a Peoples Democratic Party Government.

This was contained in a statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the Senate  President, Jackson Udom.
The statement quoted Akpabio as saying, “As an elder statesman, my major concern now is to work for the peace and unity of the state and by extension Nigeria.”

“I am not interested in any kind of war. I am more interested in bringing development to the state. If there should be any competition amongst us, let it be in the overall interest of our people, like competing for development and life  changing projects for our people.
“If the governor is bringing a project to street or road A, as the President of the Senate, I should be seen working on bringing water or electricity to street or road B. That is the kind of competition I want to see and not unnecessary bickering that brings no good to our people,” he noted.
Speaking further, Akpabio lauded Hon Ekpo for remembering to thank God after his nomination and swearing-in as minister and member of the Federal Executive Council.

“We are who and what we are today because God made it possible for it to be so. It is, therefore, imperative that we give thanks always. I thank you for not forgetting the God who made it possible for you to be who you are today.”
Speaking, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, called on Akwa Ibom people to unite behind any indigene of the state in any position of authority for the benefit of the state.

He also stated his readiness and that of his government to put the state and its people first without any political or religious considerations.
Earlier, Ekpo disclosed that his sudden introduction to President Bola Tinubu by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, as the ministerial nominee from the state looked like a joke to him.

“When I was formally introduced to President Tinubu by my leader and President of the Senate for this ministerial appointment, it looked like a joke to me.
“Subsequently my name was announced as a nominee and when I appeared  before the Senate, I was told to take a bow. Today, I am a Minister of the Federal Republic.

“I am here today with my family to return thanks to God Almighty for making today possible. I also thank our dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, for finding me worthy of this appointment,” he said.”