Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative Affairs and Water Resources, Barrister Ekong Sampson has extolled an emergent socio-political group in Akwa Ibom State, Ibom Mega Alliance (IMA) for undertaking an unusual intellectual drive towards mobilizing of adequate support for the Udom Emmanuel-ledgovernment in the State and retaining the administration beyond 2019.
The approach adopted by IMA is to engage the minds of Akwa Ibomites towards appreciating the visions and commitment of Governor Udom Emmanuel towards creating a better Akwa Ibom, as well disabusing their minds of the misinformation venture of destructive critics.
Barrister Sampson made the commendation while addressing a Roundtable Discourse organized by the group, with the theme, “Leadership and Socio-economic Development: The Udom Emmanuel example in Akwa Ibom State. Hepraised the conveners for the vision of providing the intellectual perspective to highlight the indicators of good governance anddeepen consciousness of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s impressive performance. He expressed confidence that the series of lectures and inputs that will be generated in the course of event will go a long way in enriching the legacy of the Udom Emmanuel administration.
He expressed satisfaction with being a patron of the group. Adding that he is not just the patron of IMA but of every group in the State that is genuinely promoting the ideals of the Udom Emmanuel led government in the Stateand the exigency of his 8-year tenure, in the spirit of oneness, unity and love as the name “IMA” implies. This, he described as pursuit of justice and fairness to Eket Senatorial District, through a tested and trusted ambassador.
Barrister Ekong Sampson, who was Special Guest of Honour at the event, called on the people of Akwa Ibom State to explore a trajectory to justice, rather than just praying for peace in abstraction.He described justice as a key driver to peace. In his words, “when we talk about justice on a wider prism, in a larger perspective, we are well on our way to attaining peace”.
Barrister Sampson said the commitment of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration to giving people access to opportunity is an indication of a passion for creating a big window for justice. He said giving people have access to opportunities, is giving them access to justice, as they can aspire to their heights and capacities. But when the justice valve is constricted, a template for tension and disorder is created, he added.
Chairman of the group, Rt. Hon. Marcus Okukuwho disclosed the mission and chosen approach of the group during a Round Table Discourse, said the group chose the event to follow up the celebration of 2017 Democracy Day and Governor Udom Emmanuel’s 2nd year in office with an intellectual component.
The Chairman said the event will be held quarterly and the group will do all it takes to endear the minds of the people to the visionary leadership and posterity minded governance of the Mr. Udom Emmanuel.
Chairman at the occasion, a former gubernatorial aspirant in the State,ObongBasseyInuaeyen, also expressed great pleasure in the intellectual campaign approach of IMA. He extolled the slogan of the group, strength in unity, but cautioned that what guarantees unity is justice, equity and fairness.
“We must all in Akwa Ibom allow justice, equity and fairness to prevail so that so that we can have peace and the unity that will strengthen us”. ObongInuaeyen stated.
According to him, it is God that appoints leaders.He further expatiated that in the 2015 contest, so many tested politicians each of whom different people would have thought like men to be the right choices, but it was not so before God who knew who will be right for us at a particular time.
He did not just bring Udom Emmanuel to Governor in 2015, He knew that our economy was going to be in recession about this time and decided to bring in someone that will be able to manage our economy in a time like this. Despite the intensity of the recession, we are not feeling it that much in Akwa Ibom State. As we are trying to exit the recession, let us be careful in our choice of leadership.
“I like the direction IMA is going, because people may not understand what is going on, what Udom Emmanuel is doing, this is why this academic angle is necessary to expound on what Udom Emmanuel has been doing, break it down so that all of us will leave here today understanding more about governance and Udom Emmanuel’s efforts in Akwa Ibom State”, ObongInuaeyen said.
The Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Sir Val Attah observed that there is a wave of unity currently going on in the State, by which, according great Akwa Ibomites are coming together to join force in pursuit of good governance in the State. He commended the G-22 members for their consideration to unite with the Udom administration in the interest of the State.
Key lecturer at the event was Prof. NyaudohNdaeyo. Others dignitaries present at the event who also shared in discourseincluded the International President of Mkparawa Ibibio, Akarawa Monday Etokakpan MNI, International President of EsuUlap Oro, Ulap Joseph Okon, Chairman, Akwa Ibom Community in Lagos State, Chief Elijah Ifot, the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Council of the NUJ, Elder Patrick Albert, Permanent Secretary of the Bureau of Political, Legislative Affairs and Water Resources, Mr. NseEdem, former Chairman of Onna LGA, Rt. Hon. Pat Ifon, former Chairman of Okobo LGA and member of AKHA, Rt. Hon. AsuquoOdiong, Chairman, former Chairman of Uruan LGA, Hon. (Dr.) EventusEdem, SA to the Governor on Interparty Affairs, Hon. Lawrence Udoh, Interparty Advisory Council, Engr. Martins Inyang and other reputable Akwa Ibomites.
Following the thought provoking and informing discourse and inputs, a communique was reached and adopted at the end of the event after due presentation by the chairman of the communique drafting committee, Dr. Edem. Other members of the committee were Hon. AwawaEkaenang, and Hon. Emmanuel Enang.
