Akwa Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, has charged members of his cabinet to remain focused and committed to ensure sustainable development of the state.

He gave the charge at a three-day capacity building retreat for members of the State Executive Council (EXCO) in Abuja, describing members of the EXCO as co-builders of his dream. Governor Akpabio commended their unflinching commitment for daring to believe in his vision which has translated into what has come to be known as uncommon transformation.

While referring to the close of his administration as political endtime, Governor Akpabio called on members of the state EXCO to swallow every pride and remain focused to avoid the same mistake Moses made when he was about entering the Promised Land.

“I will never be distracted but will remain focused to reply some critics with the commissioning of more projects, and that has always been my style because I must do what I was elected to do,” he declared.

Akpabio said despite some challenges in the last six years of his administration, the journey had been exciting and ascribed his success to God. He restated his commitment to complete on-going projects embarked upon by his administration.

The governor listed some of his administration’s projects to include the construction of over 1,350 kilometres of roads, flyovers, bridges, free compulsory education. Others included the e-Library, underground drainage system, Tropicana Entertainment Centre and the ongoing 30,000 capacity Ibom International Stadium, among others.

He however warned members of the EXCO against treachery and playing Judas in the administration, stressing that it was better not to be within and against this administration.

His words: “If you are not with us in spirit and truth then in God’s name do not tarry with us in government. It is better not to be with us than to be with us and against us. It is my prayers that those who have worked with us and who do not want us to end well, who are the Judases in our midst will also end like Judas.

“Remembering the other thief who ended up in paradise with Christ, that is how some of you are, no matter what happens, those of you who have just joined the executive council and do not behave like Judas will end up in paradise come 2015.”

He expressed optimism that at the end of the retreat the executive council members would emerge with renewed vigour, greater sense of duty and commitment to the goals of building the state.

The retreat also had in attendance the Deputy Governor, Lady Valerie Ebe, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, the Head of Service, Mrs. Cecilia Udoessien, Commissioners and Special Advisers.

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