by Emmanuel Abi Couson
The Akwa Ibom Community in Abuja and Northern States, is more united in support and solidarity to Governor Umo Eno as he spread dividends of democracy through his ARISE Agenda to the people.
The Special Assistant to the Governor on Mobilization, Abuja, Kingsley Iwok revealed this during an interaction on Thursday with his colleague, the SSA to the Governor on Research and Documentation, Dr. Essien Ndueso in Uyo.
Mr Iwok said he chose to share his experience with Dr. Ndueso, to show the overwhelming joy among the Akwa Ibom community in Abuja who were having political patronage for the first time in several years.
“The purpose of my visit to the State, was to join in celebrating the state on her 37th Anniversary and also to intimate you on the state of affairs of Akwa Ibomites residing in Abuja.
“I came to convey the appreciation, the applause, the commendation of the Akwa Ibom people resident in Abuja and the 19 northern states of Nigeria to the Governor, for his magnanimity in appointing one of them, which is me, in charge of the mobilization.
Speaking further, he commended the governor for being a promise keeper. According to him, “We have been appealing and pleading with successive Governments, to consider us with regard to Government appointments.
“But then His Excellency the Governor, in the build-up to elections came on consultation to the Akwa Ibom community, and then made that solemn pledge that he would run an all inclusive governance, where Akwa Ibomites, irrespective of where they stay, location, and so on, would be integrated into the governance structure of the states.
“We thought it was just the usual political rhetoric as usual but His Excellency, the Governor has indeed kept his word,” he added
He further reaffirmed his unalloyed commitment and support and that of Akwa Ibomites residing in Abuja towards Governor Eno’s administration
Mr Iwok further said that Governor Umo Eno’s milestone achievements in the space of one year has made party members who had earlier defected to other parties to return.
“One of the first groups that visited to register their position were those who broke out from the MPM in which I, by privilege, was secretary, in FCT.
“Today, they have come to say they are ready to return because of the actions of the government, they’re ready to switch camp. The records are there.
“They’ve been asking when they are going to do it openly, publicly, for the world to see. And that’s one of the reasons why I’m here.”
Additionally, Mr Iwok appraised Dr Ndueso for being of exemplary conduct, through promoting the image of the government.
He recounted the various times they used to follow the trends of the litigations against the Governor, in court due to the frequent updates from the courtrooms by Dr Ndueso, and described him as a versatile media professional.
“We would like you to also come and document our activities over there in Abuja, he told Dr. Ndueso.
“The respect that our people have for you over there is enormous.
Responding, the SSA on Research and Documentation Dr Ndueso appreciated Mr Iwok for galvanizing support for the Governor in Abuja and urged him to actively engage in more programmes that will continue to put Akwa Ibom name in the spotlight outside the state.
“Wherever you find yourself, you’re an ambassador of where you come from. And whatever image you create for yourself, will open doors for others who will come after you.
“The relevance of the Abuja community is to the extent you make it, because if in the end the impact is not felt from here, it is nothing.
“This means you have to create programmes, invite folks from here to come over there, and in that way you are now singing the Akwa Ibom story in the distance land, and more people will hear about the good works of the Excellency regarding the ARISE Agenda.”
