Akwa Ibom Gov-Elect, Gov’s Wife Re-Assure on Wealth Creation

By Udom Emmanuel

The governor-elect of Akwa Ibom State Mr Udom Emmanuel has described Governor Godswill Obot Akpabio as the father of modern Akwa Ibom and has pledged to build on the existing infrastructure and to ensure that massive industrialization is achieved in the state.

The incoming governor spoke at the burial ceremony of late Chief Thomas Johnson Nwoko, father of the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barr. Uwemedimo Nwoko in Ika local government area.

Udom who thanked the people of Ika for keeping faith with the Peoples Democratic Party during the just concluded local government elections in the State, reiterated his resolve to fulfill all his campaign promises in the state especially in igniting a process that will bring about more job opportunities for the populace.

He eulogized the Governor’s wife Mrs Ekaette Unoma Akpabio for her role in his success through the massive mobilization of women saying, “I want to thank my campaigner in chief whom by the Grace of God Almighty mobilized hundreds of thousands of women for me during my election.”

He paid tribute to late Chief Thomas Johnson Nwoko and noted that the late Chief Nwoko lived an exemplary life and maintained that life doesn't depend on how long one lives but how much it is used to positively affect the society.

Also speaking, the wife of the State Governor Mrs Ekaette Unoma Akpabio expressed optimism that the Governor - Elect Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel will perform above expectations and will generate employment prospects for the state.

The state first lady revealed that it was the wish of her husband that the incoming governor surpasses his achievements.

Justifying her husband’s huge investments in infrastructural development, Mrs Akpabio quipped, “If you do not have the enabling environment you will not have an investor. If there is no airport, an investor will not come. If you do not have five star hotels no investor will come. If you do not have good roads no investor will come.”

She assured that Udom will use his own experience in investment banking to attract multinationals to come and invest in the state to generate employment opportunities and wealth for the state.

The first lady also took out time to heap praises on the women of Ika local government area for trooping out in their numbers to support her husband's senatorial bid and for voting Mr. Udom Emmanuel during the governorship elections.

"I want to thank all my women. We have been praying together for a peaceful election and God Almighty gave us a peaceful election and victory. I thank all Ika women for not disappointing me. You voted for your governor-to-be Udom Emmanuel and your next senator which is my husband.”

She also took out time to condole with the widow Deaconess Eno Thomas Nwoko, assuring her that her children will always be there to take good care of her.

Also present at the event was the representative of the Governor Engr Nkeruwem Ekanem the secretary to state government, who read the Governor’s condolence letter.

Pastor Richard Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in his sermon charged everyone to live a life that gives glory to God the creator, reasoning that death could come knocking at any time since no one has control over his or her life.

Late Chief Thomas Johnson Nwoko a retired Court Bailiff in the State Ministry of Justice died at the age of 86 and is survived by wife, children, grand children, daughters in law and a son in law to mourn his demise.