He revealed the plan when he spoke at an event marking the
85th birthday of Obong Etim Abia, the Paramount Ruler of Eket in Eket Local
Government Area of Akwa Ibom.
“As I am leaving here, we are signing fresh agreements that
will give us 10 brand new A220-300 Air Buses, so that even when I leave office,
it will remain an enduring legacy,’’ he said.
The governor also talked about his determination to ensure
that quality was not compromised in the Eket Stadium project, the International
Market project, roads and other development programmes in the area.
He stressed that the peculiarities of the Eket terrain were
taken into consideration before projects were approved to be sited in the area
to ensure that they stood the test of time.
He appealed for patience from Eket residents while
reassuring them that all the projects would be delivered and appreciated long
after his tenure.
Emmanuel decried the fact that climate and weather
conditions, the COVID-19 pandemic and other natural occurrences had impacted on
the pace of work.
“People have said a lot of things about developments and
projects. Your Majesty, we have had major challenges in the past two years that
we never envisaged in governance.
“In 2020, nobody could do much because of COVID-19. In 2021,
we were poised for infrastructure development, but the volume of rainfall has
been unprecedented,’’ the governor explained.
He congratulated the Obong on his 85th birthday and spoke
glowingly of the endearing characteristics of the Eket patriarch.
“In life, I watch out for two things in any leader and in
any human being; character and charisma.
“As a paramount ruler, your character to me is your charm
that inspires devotion in others, including me,’’ the governor said.
He said that the Obong’s charisma also attracted and
endeared others to him, adding that the paramount ruler was blessed with both
attributes.
Gov. Emmanuel lauded the Eket royal father’s initiative of
using the special event to honour some illustrious sons of the land with the
prestigious title of “Mkpisong Ekid’’.
He expressed appreciation of the support of his Eket people
and urged all stakeholders to do their best to maintain peace so as to draw
more positive development to the area.
“On behalf of the government and good people of this state I
say happy birthday to you, Your Majesty and long live the King,’’ he said.
In his birthday speech, Obong Abia expressed appreciation to
God, to his wife and to his family.
He thanked Gov. Emmanuel and Eket leaders for their support
and commitment to serve Eket people, Akwa Ibom and by extension all Nigerians.
Expatiating on the honour bestowed on awardees, he said the
title, “Mkpisong’’ literally means Pillar of Progress and Leading Light in the
community.
One of the recipients, Mr Frank Archibong, thanked the Obong
for finding him worthy of the award of honour and promised to do more to
support his community and Akwa Ibom.
Archibong is the Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Local Government
and Chieftaincy Affairs.
He described the Obong as an astute administrator who had
brought his wealth of experience to bear on the leadership of the traditional
institution across the state.
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