Don’t obstruct govt development efforts – Umo Eno warns Akwa Ibom youths
Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno has sounded a note of warning especially to youths to desist from obstructing development efforts in the state.
He said government is prepared and working round the clock to advance development to every community in the state, and urged everyone to support rather than constitute a hindrance.
Speaking at an interdenominational worship service in his hometown, Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, he said he decided to make the appeal from his own community as an indication that no one, not even his kinsmen would make him succumb to illegalities and blackmail.
He decried the unwholesome practice of raising illegal and make – believe structures on road sides with the intention of getting compensation, stressing that contractors would be withdrawn from any community that is not receptive.
According to him, “any local government that we move in for development, and the people create trouble over unnecessary compensation, we will withdraw. We are ready for rural development, but the communities must cooperate. I will not fight to bring development to your community.”
“”For all old structures, compensation will be paid, but the ones that are springing up now in the name of building, maybe because they know that the roads will soon be constructed, no compensation will be paid,” he added.
Governor Eno who was accompanied by wife, Pastor (Mrs) Patience Eno, said the interdenominational worship service was to thank God, and share fellowship with his brethren adding that it was also an avenue to appreciate the churches in his village as well as the people of the area for their massive support in the last elections.
He noted that the service was very significant for him given the fact that both of parents were from the community.
The visibly elated Governor said he was overwhelmed at the expression of love and support across party lines, saying that God’s blessing is upon the land.
Governor Eno who took the only Bible reading at the service with the theme, “The Man After God’s Heart,” urged the churches to continue to operate in oneness to attract more blessings from God.
At the service were: Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, Chief Judge – Justice Ekaette Obot, Secretary to State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah and wife; Speaker of House Of Assembly, Hon Udeme Otong and wife, Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Kufreabasi Edidem; State Chief Judge, Justice Ekaette Obot, House of Representatives Member for Etinan Federal Constituency, Obong Paul Ekpo and his counterpart for Eket, Esit Eket, Ibeno Federal Constituency, Hon Okpolupm Etteh, Immediate past Chairman of CAN Rev. Ndueso Ekwere; House of Assembly member for Nsit Ubium State Constituency, Hon Otobong Bob; Elder statesman, Elder Ben Udobia, Head of the Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien and wife, and Immediate past SSG, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem.
Others were; Chairman of Nsit Ubium, Hon Iniobong Orok; CEO of HENSEK Integrated Services, Engr. Uwem Okoko; State PDP Chairman Hon. Aniekan Akpan, Wife of Oku Ibom Ibibio, Akwaobongawan Philomena Solomon Etuk, and many others.
