On Monday, Udom Emmanuel, governor of Akwa Ibom State, responded to Bola Tinubu, the APC’s presidential candidate, by stating that Tinubu always resorts to verbal abuse and insults during campaigns because he has nothing to offer Nigerians.
In addition, he stated that despite the former Lagos State Governor’s insults, he would rather maintain peace by ignoring him and concentrating on assisting in the establishment of good governance to rescue Nigerians from their current difficulties.
Emmanuel gave a speech on Monday evening at Government House in Uyo while inaugurating newly appointed Permanent Secretaries, Chairmen, and Members of Boards and Commissions, as well as a Transition Committee, to ensure that power will be transferred to the next administration without any problems.
Remember that, according to reports, Tinubu said at his rally in Uyo on Monday afternoon, “Akwa Ibom, that boy wey bring Atiku here, wey de call himself Governor, tell him enough is enough!” I would have driven him home if we hadn’t agreed to meet, as he lives in my backyard in Lagos. You can just put him inside that mansion he lives in with lizards, pigeons, and scorpions, as you can see.
However, a few hours later, in response, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State stated, “For the country to remain in peace, one party must ‘play saint,’ and he would refrain from responding to Tinubu.”
“I also go to other states, and if you watch our campaigns, my principal (Atiku Abubakar) has never spoken about any Governor, he has never spoken openly about Asiwaju before,” Emmanuel, the Chairman of the PDP Presidential Campaigns, stated.
He went on to say that it was unfortunate that Tinubu, who had access to state-owned facilities like the airport, security, and stadium to promote his manifesto, ended up insulting the integrity of over 7.9 million people in Akwa Ibom.
“But here our people at the stadium, including some state governors just laughed and applauded him,” the governor said, posing the question of whether any Akwa Ibomite could travel to Lagos, where Tinubu resides, or the state from which he hails, insult Tinubu in the same manner and still be permitted to safely return home.
What gives him the impression that he will lead Nigeria? People will call me and say, “Haba oga, you are not like that,” if I respond to him right now. However, I’ll reply to him one day. Nigeria is in God’s hands, and there is nothing like “emilokan” (it is my turn) here.
He went on to say that, despite having the highest revenue contribution to the federal account, Akwa Ibom State has not received a single kilometer of road from the APC-led federal government for nearly eight years. He also said that the state’s seaport was delayed because of the federal government’s lack of response.
In the meantime, the governor thanked the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries for accepting the difficult work. He also urged them to think of themselves as ambassadors and work toward raising the standard of leadership, which would boost productivity and foster good working relationships with subordinates.
“This is one thing I promised the people of Akwa Ibom: the appointment of Permanent Secretaries will be solely based on merit and not mercy; those who are capable of performing their duties should be given the opportunity. Permanent Secretary is an appointment based on merit, not promotion.
Governor Emmanuel also reiterated his commitment to improving civil service efficiency, noting that civil servants have been promoted annually under his administration.
He promised that, before he leaves office, additional Permanent Secretaries would be hired to take over the positions that had been filled by retirees.
Governor Emmanuel addressed Board and Commission Chairmen and praised their commitment, particularly Prince Akpan Ikim, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection & Waste Management Agency, for winning accolades for the state by maintaining and making the state the cleanest in Nigeria for five consecutive years from 2018 to 2022. He also urged others to make an impact that will stand out.
In a similar vein, members of the Transition Committee were given the responsibility of verifying all projects carried out by the current administration and ensuring a smooth transition of government to an incoming administration.
The Permanent Secretaries who have just been chosen are; Attorney Mfon Inuaesiet Edemekong, Iquo Okon Abia, Esq., Dr. Stephen Effiong, Atim Chelly Okoko, As Auditor-General for Local Government, Uwem Sunday Andrew-Essien, Isaiah Robson Ntekim, and Emaeyak Nyong Akpan
Dr. Ini Adiakpan, Mrs. Nsemeke Daniel, Dr. Nathaniel Adiakpan, Mr. Elijah Udoiyak, Mrs. Esther Inyang, Pastor Uwem Andrew-Essien, Mr. Isaiah Ntekim, Mr. Effiong Ekpenyong, and Mrs. Bella Akpanya are the members of the Transition Committee.