AKSG News: PRESIDENT JONATHAN�S DELIVERY AT A GALA NIGHT DURING HIS RECENT VISIT TO AKWA IBOM (Posted August 6, 2010)

By Essien Ndueso
S/A to Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information & Social Re-Orientation

I am very delighted to be in your midst once again to enjoy the warmth and hospitality that are the hallmark of the people of Akwa Ibom State. The moment my entourage arrive at the airport this morning, we�ve been greeted by a uniquely generous hospitality, and wonderful entertainment, every step of the way. I thank and deeply appreciate the government and people of this glorious state for this magnificent reception which further clearly demonstrates love and solidarity.

From what I have seen so far, it is evident that the Akwa Ibom State Government is driven by a singular commitment to enhancing the welfare and well being of the people through infrastructural development and innovation in the provision of infrastructural amenities and human capacity development. The pace and level of development graphically demonstrates that the Governor and his team are focused and committed to transforming Akwa Ibom State. This clearly stands for a great party, the PDP to continue to provide good leadership for the people of Akwa Ibom State, and indeed, Nigeria.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, at this stage in our effort at confronting our national and development challenges, we cannot overstate the critical need for good, God-fearing, people oriented leadership at all levels of our national life. Good leadership plants hope and progress, engenders trust, encourages loyalty and motivates hope. I will therefore, like to seize this opportunity to urge our leaders, especially our political, traditional and religious leaders to rededicate themselves to the ideals of selfless service.

We cannot meet the legitimate expectations of our people if we spend energy and resources on negative divisive tendencies. We owe the Almighty God and the people of this country, the obligation to work at all times to strengthen the bonds of community, and not those tendencies that can only compromise our progress.

For Akwa Ibom to continue to be the Land of Promise, all hands must be on deck with our dynamic Governor, Godswill Akpabio to ensure accelerated and sustained growth. That is the only way we can realize the promise of a better life of Akwa Ibom State. I enjoined the people not to waiver in their support for the leadership of the State and the Federal Government. Even the recent security incidents in some parts of the country, we can be rest assured that the Federal Government takes these challenges very seriously. Intelligence services are being strengthened and supported to enable them cope adequately with this menace. Violent crimes like the growing cases of kidnapping in some parts of the country have no place in Nigeria which this administration is committed to building.

Therefore, we will not hesitate to unleash the full force of the law against perpetrators and sponsors of heinous crime, whoever they may be. We must entrench ending peace and security in our country to witness meaningful growth and development. This administration will by no means fail in its responsibilities. I therefore, commend the efforts of the security agencies that apprehended one of these criminals yesterday. My good people of Akwa Ibom State, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I cannot conclude without thanking you all especially our royal fathers, our women and youths, religious and political leaders.

Once again, for your bestowing to me the title of Iberedem of Akwa Ibom State, and your support to federal government, this administration will continue to reciprocate the kind gesture.

Let me specially again thank the Governor and his team. From my arrival at the airport, you performance thrilled me, I can say that you have a total package to turn the State for the better. I mention the traditional rulers, and also at the stadium, the Federal Government will continue to encourage the state.

I appreciate so much the effort of the state in at least the refurbishing and the reconstruction of some of the infrastructure earlier constructed or put in place by the Federal Government that failed over the period. I did mention that when State Governments do these, the Federal Government has already set up a committee to bring out a modality for Federal government to return the funds because we don�t want a situation where some states will work for the Federal Government and get refunds while others will not get. They are coming up with a very standard procedure. So, if one state irrespective of political affiliation with the government, when the state intervenes in a Federal Government Project, we will have relatively a uniform approach. We will keep fate to that. We will properly budget to make sure that we encourage the States.

The Federal Government, apart from the Federal Capital Territories, does not have land anyway. The land are with the state, and we want to work together with the states to ensure that we provide infrastructure for our people. The people need basic things. Whether those things are provided by the local, state or federal government, what they want is that the government of the day, most especially the three tiers of government including the judiciary and legislative provide basic amenities. We are thankful to the governor of Akwa Ibom State and his team for what they have done so far.

And also at the protocol, the former President, President Obasanjo is here, and I have seen a number of people who have been governors of the state here with us. That means the Governor has commitment. I was told that he even invited more Heads of State but for one reason or the other, the other ones couldn�t make it. We thank former President Obasanjo and other governors for coming. I will encourage all others; make sure that you carry the leaders in their state, the country along in what you do. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I thank all of you for gathering this evening to receive us. We remain grateful for the honour you�ve done us, we promise you that we will continue to do our best. Thank you.