The Forum of 2012-2015 Councilors in Akwa Ibom State has restated their confidence in the willingness of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s government to pay severance gratuity to its members and other eligible beneficiaries accordingly.
The Leader of the Forum, Obong (Hon.) Peaceman Inyang made this known during a media chat in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
In a release made available to the media, Peaceman Inyang stated that His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel is currently working out modalities for the payment of the severance gratuity, not only to elected councilors, but the entirety of eligible beneficiaries. He therefore urged all involved to express maturity and maintain their loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). With such, he said, avenues could be explored to fast track the process.
Hon. Inyang, on behalf of the 2012-2015 Councilors in the State, condemned the any act of trying fan embers of disunity and divisiveness within the party, describing such as unnecessary and counterproductive.
Making reference to a communiqué credited to the Forum of Former Aides of Governor Akpabio, the Councilors spearhead said “if there could be a group that should act awry in pursuit of severance gratuity , it should be Elected officers of Government, having had to go through the vicissitude of election and representation.”
Hon. Peaceman Inyang asserting that members of his Forum also constitute the “Akpabio boys” group, advised the Forum of Former Aides that the peddled understanding that Governor Udom Emmanuel has been advised not to pay “Akpabio boys” is most untoward and untrue.
Reiterating the need to remain confident in the integrity of Governor Udom Emmanuel and his cabinet, the leader Inyang said, “we can get our entitlement without necessarily whipping up misplaces sentiments, afterall, loyalty at its best, is known by steadfastness even when out of office”.
He commended the concerted efforts of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Legislative Affairs and Water Resoures, Barrister Ekong Sampson, in facilitating the esteemed meeting of his group with the Governor, from which his group drew the confidence in His Excellency’s commitment to political inclusion and payment of their severance gratuity.
The Forum also commended the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State house of Assembly, Barrister Onofiok Luke, as well as the Commissioner for Local government and Chieftaincy Affair for their demonstration of empathy to the plea of the group overtime.
The Leader also commended the sustained display of maturity and patriotism by the 329 immediate past elected Councilors of Akwa Ibom State (2012-2015) towards the immediate past and present administrations in Akwa Ibom State. He stressed that their patience has been a significant exhibition of stateliness.
Also made available to the press was a message of appreciation of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s commitment to the course in question, jointly signed by the Leader and Representatives for the 31 LGAs of the State.
