Ex-governor Udom’s kinsmen berate Akpabio over alleged non performance in office 

By Lovina Anthony, Akwa-ibom 

The kinsmen of the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel have tackled the senate president, Senator Godswill Akpabio  over claims that Udom Emmanuel did not do any project in Ikot Ekpene district(Akpabio’s district) while he was a governor.

Recall that Akpabio had at the chambers accused his successor, Udom Emmanuel whom he ‘made a governor’ of not leaving any imprint in the zone.

He said, “I gave you a governor (Udom Emmanuel) who for eight years did not do anything for the people of Ikot Ekpene and Eket Senatorial district, he did not leave any imprint.”

Irked by the comments, Udom’s kinsmen under the body  of ONNA Unity Forum warned Akpabio against spreading  what they described as “falsehood and Misinformation” against their son.

In a statement signed by  Efiok Bassey, Chairman and Edet Edet Secretary, and issued to newsmen on Sunday, highlighted the tangible developments and achievements of Governor Emmanuel’s administration in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial district and wondered why Akpabio failed to recognize them before making such ‘misleading comments.’

According to the statement,  “How could Senator Akpabio have forgotten that Governor Emmanuel completed  the 27km Uyo-Ikot Ekpene Road project which was commissioned by the President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmed Lawan. The fact remains that this road was abandoned at less than 20% completion by Akpabio’s administration despite a reported full release of over N74 billion contract sum for the project. 

“It is unfortunate that Senator Akpabio has also forgotten that, despite his premature commissioning of an uncompleted structure as Sheraton by Four Points Hotel after over 25 Billion was said to have been expended before 2015.

It was Governor Emmanuel who ensured that the structure was completed and made  functional as a Hotel. Today, it stands as a testament to his commitment to infrastructural development, often being used for significant events, including those hosted by Senator Akpabio himself.

The group also faulted Akpabio’s claims of making Udom Emmanuel a governor  singlehandedly saying that he was only but an instrument God used in making Udom a governor therefore he should stop bragging about it.

“It is crucial to acknowledge that no individual can singularly take credit for making Udom Emmanuel Governor. It was through the collective will of the people of Akwa Ibom State, and ultimately, divine providence, that Udom Emmanuel was elected. Senator Akpabio played a role as a vessel in this process, but it is God who ordains leaders.

” It is regrettable that Senator Akpabio, who has the  potential of being a unifying figure for our nation, has instead chosen to engage in baseless criticism against a man who dignifies himself by not dignifying the attacks.

“Let him know that Nigerians are poised to judge him not by his verbal assaults on a fellow statesman, but by the tangible impacts he can make during his tenure.” The statement added.