The Senate President has reiterated the support and collaboration of the National Assembly for the development of Akwa Ibom State as he urged the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno to continue with his policy of unififying the State across party lines.
Senator Akpabio made the pledge at the grand reception organized 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 Governor were presented with awards of excellence for their services to the State and Nigeria as a whole.
Addressing a mammoth crowd at the Ikot Ekpene Township Stadium which attracted people across party lines, Senator Akpabio said he would work with Governor Eno to attract dividends of democracy to the State.
A statement by the Special Assistant to the President of the Senate on Media/Communication, Anietie Ekong, quoted Senator 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 supoort you to succeed. You want to attract federal projects to Akwa Ibom State, we will support you to achieve that,” he said.
Senator 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, Senator 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, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu described Senator 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 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.
