By Edifon ABASI-OBOT
Ibom Mega Alliance (IMA), a foremost socio-political group in Akwa Ibom State, has been commended for working beyond traditional political flanks to strengthen the fabric of governance in the State through innovations.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Political/Legislative Affairs and Water Resources, Barrister Ekong Sampson, Governor Udom Emmanuel, who gave the charge during the maiden edition of the monthly solemn assembly of Ibom Mega Alliance at IMA House in Uyo, tasked political groups in the state to come up with ideas and innovations that would chart a course for good governance.
The Governor lauded the group for its demonstration of peculiarity and trail blazing innovations that will enable the government to succeed, saying “with the current inclination in world, every successful administrator now in the global milieu is measured on the scale of innovations that he brings to bear in governance. And this is what this administration has demonstrated.”
He said one remarkable feature of his administration is its commitment to the Pan-Akwa Ibom outlook, where the state is seen as one big family which works together for a common good.
The Governor added that his administration has also done well in ensuring every aspect of Akwa Ibom State are respected and well accommodated in terms of projects.
Reiterating that his government has earned for Akwa Ibom State the respect of Nigeria and even beyond, he said “it has been a success story in governance. The epicenter of this Government’s achievement is in its demonstration of vision and innovation in governance.”
He therefore called on political groups in the State to explore creative avenues to drive governance. “This is time for innovations; it is not just a time to do what everybody is doing; it is not just enough to form a political group with hope to be empowered by government. The critical issue is what you bring to the table to help drive governance.”
The Governor, however, lauded IMA’s President, Hon. Marcus Okuku; the Coordinator of the solemn assembly, Pastor Comfort William, and drivers of the group for showing creativity in supporting the Udom Emmanuel-led government.
“The idea of a quarterly IMA Round Table discourse to explore trajectories of support for Governor Udom Emmanuel’s visions and programmes was a great idea, now you have added monthly solemn assembly, bringing God to bear by gathering to pray for the success of the government, for Akwa Ibom State and for Nigeria. This is very commendable. IMA cannot fail because ideas guarantee success. Ideas drive the world and the ideas of IMA are remarkable,” he added.
The assured that the Political Affairs Bureau will work with every group in the State that shares in the vision of the state government and in the pan-Akwa Ibom perspective.
The President of Ibom Mega Alliance, Hon. Marcus Okuku, in his remarks, thanked the Governor’s representative for finding time to join IMA in seeking the face of God for Akwa Ibom State.
He also thanked the members of the group for their love for the State and desire to see the government succeed, which has been indicated in response to the call for the solemn assembly.
He reassured the Governor that with the highbrow composition IMA, the group will continue with its quarterly Roundtable discourse, the monthly Solemn Assemble and still seek other ways to strengthen the support base of his government and to ensure his smooth re-election in 2019.
