Political inclusion has been identified as a very critical plank in Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration, which has distinguished Akwa Ibom State as a model for democracy and good governance in Nigeria.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Political/Legislative Affairs and Water Resources, Rt. Hon. (Barr.) Ekong Sampson stated this while addressing members of the Akwa Ibom Community in Nassarawa State who paid a courtesy visit to his office in Uyo.
Barrister Ekong Sampson saidGovernor Udom Emmanuel has shown such inclusiveness,where every segment of the State is incorporated into the democratic space, thereby bringing everybody aboard as one family.
In his words, “in Governor Udom Emmanuel, we have seen a leader who is committed to promoting, not just democracy, but good governance”, Sampson said, maintaining that what makes the model feasible is political inclusion.
In the spread of infrastructure, the government has clearly demonstrated that it is a role model. He reiterated his position that the beauty of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s programmes is the expansive roadmap and spread of infrastructure to ensure every part of the State is being incorporated.
Furthermore, “no sceptic can fault the commitment of Governor Udom Emmanuel to investing in the future of Akwa Ibom State. Vision is an important attribute of a good leader and that Udom is bringing to bare by seeing beyond the moment, working very hard to diversify flanks of our economy from being an exclusively oil-based economy, bringing in industries and boosting agriculture”, Sampson said.
The Governor’s aide lauded the Akwa Ibom community in Nassarawa State for their unity and interest in supporting the government at home, stating that such interest in the development of one’s home state can only be fired by vision.
He enjoined Akwa Ibom people outside the state to continue to promote peaceful co-existence, through which their security would be enhanced.
Ekong Sampson particularly commendedthe leadership of Nassarawa based Akwa Ibomites for their effort in driving voters’ card registration. He described voters card as the grease in the wheels that drive democracy, restating that a citizen without voter’s card is politically impotent.
He described their commitment as exemplaryand urged the community to also utilize the provision for transfer of voter registration from anywhere in the country for those that may be willing to vote at home, as well as join the campaign to get more Akwa Ibom people captured in the National Identityenrolment scheme.
Responding on behalf of the group, the President, Akwa Ibom Community in Nassarawa State, Mr. Ephraim Isaac Udofia, expressed satisfaction in the level of development and peace in the State. He commended the efforts of Governor Udom Emmanuel in repositioning the State for prosperity, especially in forcing down the price of food through investment in agriculture.
Mr. Udofia appreciated thereception given them in the State. He said the accommodating disposition of the Udom Emmanuel-led administration has given a boost to the already established confidencein the government of the State.
Also appreciating the Special Adviser, the President said, “I have heard of your name and your good works, I believe the Governor did not make any mistakes in appointing you into this office.
The Permanent Secretary in the Bureau of Political/Legislative Affairs and Water Resources, Mr. NseEdem, in a vote of thanks, thanked the Nassarawa based Akwa Ibom community for recognizing their home government.
Mr. Edem said it was clear that Governor Udom Emmanuel is a man under divine mandate, to make Akwa Ibom State work as one family.“When it has to do with Akwa Ibom interest the government of your state knows nothing like opposition; carry the same spirit to Nassarawa, make sure every Akwa Ibom person is accommodated”, NseEdem added.
The Special Assistant to the Governor on Inter-Party Affairs, Mr. Lawrence Udoide, who also spoke at the event, affirmed that the manner in which the government has accommodated various political interest in the State has been unprecedented.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of a position paper and a proposal for a rally by over 4000 registered voters of Akwa Ibom origin, resident in Nassarawa State, for the continuity of Governor Udom Emmanuel as governor and the PDP in the State beyond 2019.
The Special Adviser also presented the leader of the group with souvenirs for on the Bureau.
