Akwa Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, says he has forgiven people and opposition for sponsoring blackmails on newspapers and telling lies to tarnish his image and that of the government during his eight years of administration in the state.

Akpabio, who stated this Sunday during the state inter-denominational thanksgiving service and 2015 Democracy Day celebration on the theme, ‘Who is Like Unto Thee, O Lord’, held at Ibom Hall grounds, Uyo, remarked: “I have forgiven all those that told lies against me on newspapers and blackmailing me, just to tarnish the image of the government. I forgive you all. I bear no grudge against anybody, but that didn’t stop me to do the best in serving the state and I will continue to serve you better at the Senate.

“I will leave you all in a better hand in the person of Mr. Udom Emmanuel, the Governor-elect. And I call on you all to wish him well by supporting him and I believe that he will deliver the state well by continuing with the uncommon transformation of the state through sustainable development.”

The governor then thanked God for the success of his administration and the people of the state for allowing the will of God to prevail in the state by supporting him throughout his administration, calling on the people to remain united and support the next government.

Speaking earlier, the state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Cletus Bassey, who had said the Akpabio administration started and ended with the church, attributed his success to acknowledgment of God, being a true friend of the church by carrying the church along in his administration, having an open heart in his commitment, support to, and keeping faith with, the church.

Bassey said Governor Akpabio is leaving behind the legacy of the presence of God in Government House, Uyo and that the church has experienced good partnership with the state government, applauding him for demonstrating a true heart of giving and urging him not to forget God as he is going to the Senate to enable him to conquer.

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Dr. Michael Etim, said the gathering was for thanksgiving, to appreciate the goodness of God to the state, ascribing thanksgiving to the blessings received from God, and called on the people to come together in bringing peace to the state and the country.

The Governor-elect of the state, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, thanked God for the life of Governor Akpabio, and applauded him for having the heart of forgiveness and for serving the state well.

•Photo shows Governor Akpabio.

Update news