…lauds Udom, Eno for recognizing, celebrating Attah
A civil rights activist, Barr. Clifford Thomas, says no society will ever progress if people tend to recognize and celebrate leaders only when they can derive personal benefits.
Barr Thomas, Executive Director of Foundation for Civic Education, Human Rights and Developing Advancement, in reaction to the goodwill message of Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Gas, Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo during the Thanksgiving Service to mark Akwa Ibom State at 37 at the International Worship Center, said celebrating friendship through appointments and favouritism will not bring benefits to Akwa Ibom people.
He said Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo who in his speech eulogized the senate president, may not be sincere in celebrating Senator Godswill Akpabio.
On the contrary, the Gas Minister is obviously observing table manners by describing the Senate President, as his Father, forgetting he had been a strong critic of the Senate President over the last decade.
Barr Thomas while fielding questions on a radio programme on Planet 101.1FM, however called on Senator Godswill Akpabio to work in synergy with the State Government to actualize the Ibom Deep Seaport.
The CLO chieftain, urged the Senate President to set up modalities of collaboration with the state government to attract development to the State.
“We need to get the support of the Federal Government, and get investors for the Ibom Deep Seaport to actualise it.”
He further said that Governor Umo Eno’s leadership style and actions have further engendered the peace of the State.
“Umo Eno is touching the hearts of people and that is why we have so many people becoming born again.”
While applauding the honour and recognition of Obong Attah by the Umo Eno and Udom Emmanuel administrations, he said Attah was not just the father of modern Akwa Ibom but a founding father of the State.
Attah had been ostracized and alienated from government and its activities throughout the administration of then Governor Godswill Akpabio, and the CLO leader believes by recognizing his contributions to the state, Udom Emmanuel and Umo Eno have helped prolonged his life.
“Nothing kills faster than isolation and former Governor Udom Emmanuel and Governor Umo Eno have done well in making our father Attah to be happy once again.”
The CLO also noted that the former Governor of the State, Mr Udom Emmanuel did well for the people of Akwa Ibom State in terms of developmental projects and being tolerant especially in the face of provocations.
“We can see that he was able to set up a lot of things, he brought us Ibom Air, he was able to midwife the emergence of Governor Eno, whom everyone wants to associate with because of his peaceable disposition.”
He lauded the immediate past Governor for living above the fray and ignoring baseless criticisms, explaining that no leader is able to please everybody.
“Only a dog barks at everything and Mr Emmanuel has maintained his calm disposition and refused to join issues with all those who launch criticisms at him.”
