Ex-governor Udom Emmanuel’s kinsmen under the auspices of Onna Unity Forum, have expressed disappointment over what it called a ‘deliberate and unconscionable’ falsehood being spread by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, against the person of the immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom State.

Akpabio had, while responding to Senator Ekong Sampson’s contributions to the bill for the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre at Iket and Ikot-Ekpene reportedly said Emmanuel left no imprint in his Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District and even in Eket Senatorial Districts.

“I gave you a governor who did nothing in Ikot-Ekpene, Akpabio was reported to have said in a viral video.

Reacting in a statement by its chairman, Efiok Bassey and Secretary, Edet Edet on Saturday, the forum said it felt a sense of obligation to set the records straight, as unchallenged falsehood could be misconstrued as truth, by those with limited knowledge.

The statement reads in part, “Forum is deeply disturbed by the deliberate and unconscionable falsehood and the twisting of facts by Senator Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Nigerian 10^th Senate against the person of the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Excellency, Mr Udom Emmanuel.

“While we are reluctant to join issues with Akpabio in his unguarded vituperations and claims that though he made Udom Emmanuel Governor he did nothing during his eight-year tenure in the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District (Senator Akpabio’s senatorial district), we feel a sense of obligation to set the records straight as unchallenged falsehood could be misconstrued as truth by those with limited knowledge.

“We are however, tempted to apologise to Nigerians for the several goofs of the Senate President, including this infantile attempt to unmindfully tarbrush and bring to opprobrium Mr Emmanuel, who had exited office over a year ago at the expiration of his 8 years tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom state”.

On Akpabio’s claim that Udom Emmanuel did nothing in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, the Forum stated, “On Akpabio’s claim that Udom Emmanuel administration did nothing in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial district that he Akpabio is representing in the senate, It is essential to address these baseless falsehoods and highlight the tangible developments and achievements of Governor Emmanuel’s administration in that Senatorial district.

“How could Senator Akpabio have forgotten that Governor Emmanuel completed the 27km Uyo-Ikot Ekpene Road project which was commissioned by the President of the 9^th Senate, Senator Ahmed Lawan? The fact remains that this road was abandoned at less than 20% completion by Akpabio’s administration despite a reported full release of over N74 billion contract sum for the project.

“It is unfortunate that Senator Akpabio has also forgotten that, despite his premature commissioning of an uncompleted structure as Sheraton by Four Points Hotel after over 25 Billion was said to have been expended before 2015, it was Governor Emmanuel who ensured that the structure was completed and made functional and functional as a Hotel. Today, it stands as a testament to his commitment to infrastructural development, often being used for significant events, including those hosted by Senator Akpabio himself.

“It is also a verifiable fact, that at least 3 General Hospitals in Ikono, Ikot Ekpene and Oruk anam were completely reconstructed and equipped all in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial district by Governor Emmanuel.

Speaking further, the forum went ahead to list out projects carried out by Udom Emmanuel.

“Additionally, Udom administration initiated and constructed a 14.1km Odorikpe-Ikpe ikot Nkon- Obotmme -Arochukwu road in Ini local government area; a 6.4km Nto Edino-EkwereAzu with 2 no. Bridges in Obot AkaraLGA, a 23km Ikot Ekaide-Ikot Okoro- Ikot Ibritam road in Oruk Anam LGA; an 18.95km Ikot Ibritam-Ekeffe- Ikot Akpan Afaha road with a bridge in Oruk Anam; construction of 2.6km Urban roads in Abak LGA.

“Others include construction of a 4.6km School of Arts and Science road, Nung Ukim, Ikono Local Government, a 5.1km internal road in Akwa Ibom state University campus in Obio Akpa, Orukanam, a 15.13km Ikot Esu- Otomo- Azumini road in Ika LGA; a 18.97km Abak 10 – Nko-Otoro- Manta road, in Abak and the construction and building of Model Girls Science School in Abak among others.

“We are constrained to hold that it appears, the Senate President may have lost touch with development in Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial district since he is mostly concentrating on politics at the National level.”

While acknowledging Akpabio’s role in Emmanuel’s governorship election win, the forum noted that it was not enough for the Senate President’s display of pettiness.

“It is crucial to acknowledge that no individual can singularly take credit for making Udom Emmanuel Governor. It was through the collective will of the people of Akwa Ibom State, and ultimately, divine providence, that Udom Emmanuel was elected. Senator Akpabio played a role as a vessel in this process, but it is God who ordains leaders. As responsible members of the public, we are cognizant of Mr. Udom Emmanuel’s steadfast commitment to maintaining his dignity amidst unwarranted attacks from Senator Akpabio.

“Mr Emmanuel’s exemplary display of discipline and tolerance, hallmarks of his governance from 2015 to 2023, stands in stark contrast to Senator Akpabio’s divisive rhetoric. It is regrettable that Senator Akpabio, who has the potential to be a unifying figure for our nation, has instead chosen to engage in baseless criticism against a man who has maintained his dignity in the face of continuous attacks. At a national platform where unity and development should be prioritized, Senator Akpabio’s actions seem misplaced and counterproductive.

“Should he choose to wield his authority judiciously, Senator Akpabio could significantly contribute to our nation’s unity and economic prosperity. Nigerians are poised to judge him not by his verbal assaults on a fellow statesman, but by the tangible impacts he can make during his tenure.

“We, therefore, align with the position of Coalition for Parliamentary Democracy that Senator Akpabio should seek tutorial lessons from the former occupants of the exalted office of the Senate President and stop using the position to engage in mundane personal fuss with perceived political enemies”. (Saturday PUNCH)

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