The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has described Akwa Ibom State as a “shining example of unity, development and progress” in Nigeria.
Akpabio stated this on Tuesday in Uyo while serving as Special Guest of Honour at the official commissioning of a newly acquired Airbus A220-300 series aircraft by Ibom Air at the Victor Attah International Airport.
In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, the Senate President said the commissioning reflected the transformation taking place in the state under Governor Umo Eno.
“With the commissioning of today, Akwa Ibom State has become the shining example of unity, development and progress in Nigeria,” Akpabio said.
“Thank you for the transformation you have brought to the state. Everyone that appreciates your efforts and prays for you shall continue to live long to see the developments you are doing in the state. The unity of this state remains paramount. I stand on ARISE in this state and at the federal level, we all stand on the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
The former governor of the state lauded Governor Eno’s commitment to infrastructural and human capital development, particularly in the aviation sector.
“Let me thank Governor Eno for what I have seen here today, particularly the number of Akwa Ibom children you are training to join the aviation industry. I am seeing Eno in me. He is also seeing himself in me,” he said.
Akpabio also commended the Chairman of Ibom Air, Captain Mfon Udom, and the management team for the fleet expansion. He assured that the state would not witness rancour between the office of the Governor and the President of the Senate.
“As a good student of history, I have made up my mind that rather than fight with my Governor, I will join hands with him to develop our state,” he declared.
The Senate President further praised Governor Eno for completing projects inherited from previous administrations. He also thanked former military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, for creating Akwa Ibom State out of the old Cross River State.
“Thank you Governor Eno for not abandoning the money of Akwa Ibom people. You have decided to complete all projects initiated by previous administrations. This shows that you are truly a man of God,” Akpabio said.
In his remarks, Governor Eno thanked Senator Akpabio for honouring the invitation. He declared September, the month the state was created in 1987, as a month of appreciation to God for the progress of Akwa Ibom people.
The Governor described the acquisition of the Airbus A220-300 as part of Ibom Air’s fleet expansion drive.
“This is part of the vision espoused by past leaders and the pathway they created, leading to this moment where, with the finisher’s anointing, we are expanding the growth of our aviation industry,” Eno said.
The event was attended by government officials, traditional rulers, and stakeholders in the aviation industry.
