Nine months ahead of the expiration of his tenure, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, has already set up a handing-over committee to compile notes for the incoming administration in the state.

Akpabio disclosed this yesterday at Methodist Church Nigeria, Ikot Ebido Oku, Uyo, during Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly thanksgiving service marking the end of the third legislative session and the beginning of the fourth legislative session of the fifth Assembly. The Governor said the committee is headed by the state Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Cecilia Udoessien.

Akpabio blamed his inability to execute more projects in the state on paucity of funds, noting: “It is not everybody that can see what is happening in the state. We don’t have money to do everything. There are some communities we have not yet touched. It is not that we don’t want to touch those communities, but we don’t have the money. We have done feasibility studies. We have gone round the state and we know the problem of every community in the state. We don’t have the money to solve the entire problems at once.”

The Governor, however, announced plans by the state government to commence soon the dualisation of Aba-Oron Road with an underground tunnel.

On the success of his administration, he attributed it to the cooperation of the state legislature, remarking: “All the credit for the achievements of this administration belongs to God Almighty and the success of my administration is due to the cooperation of the state House of Assembly.

“The proper implementation of the budget from the House has brought about the developmental infrastructure in the state, which has made every Akwa Ibom person proud to belong to the state. I must also thank members of the House for their cooperation with the people of the state through their legislative duties, which has in turn brought peace to the state.”

The Governor thanked God for protecting and keeping all members of the House alive. He also thanked the members for coming to church to thank and honour God, hoping that God has granted their hearts’ desires.

On the negative write-ups against the Speaker in the mass media, the state chief executive appealed to him not to dwell on what critics may say about him but to continue in his legislative duties and “learn to absorb all the abuses with smiles.”

Akpabio then called on some governorship aspirants in the 2015 general elections to stop abusing him and his administration in the media but rather to say what they would do for the state as they are the ones to contest for the seat, saying that he has forgiven all those who attack him using the media.

Speaking earlier, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Sam Ikon, explained that the thanksgiving was an annual event to thank God for every session, His mercies to them and for the preservation of life of every member of the House.

Ikon said in spite of the various challenges due to critics in the media, the House has drawn inspiration from God and from Governor Akpabio, pledging that the House would continue to stand by the Governor to ensure that the people of the state benefit from his good works.

The Speaker stressed that the lawmakers would remain committed and focused in ensuring the peace of the state. He thanked the members of the House for supporting the Governor in moving the state forward and the Governor for clearly recognising the separation of power and for the development strides in the state.

Bishop of the Methodist Church Arch-Diocese of Uyo, Arch. Bishop Emmanuel Udofia, who appreciated Governor Akpabio’s partnership with the church, assured that the church would continue to support him through prayers, lauding him for the massive infrastructure in the state.

•Photo shows R-L: Governor Godswill Akpabio, Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sam O. Ikon and wife, and Deputy Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Udo Kerien Akpan, during a thanksgiving service by Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly at Methodist Church Nigeria, Ikot Ebido Oku.

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