By Joseph Atainyang

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, was deeply moved during a Thank You Visit by Oro Nation, the third largest ethnic nationality in Akwa Ibom State, as they expressed their appreciation towards him for facilitating the appointment of Sir Victor Antai as the Executive Director, Project of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

The visit was held on Friday, January 19, at Akpabio’s country home in Ukana, Essien Udim Local Government Area.

Addressing the meeting, Dr Akpabio expressed his overwhelming emotion and commended Oro People for their unique culture, language, and their reputation as the most educated group in Akwa Ibom State.

The President of the Senate acknowledged the visit as a testament to the unity of the Oro people saying, “This visit tells me one thing, that Oron people are one. For all of you to come here today to thank me for the appointment of your son as executive director project in NDDC, it shows you’re a people Oro.

How I wish Akwa Ibom State will see the need to continue to remain one. If only we can do away with bad political decision. I am greatly honoured to stand in front of you.

“This visit to me today tells me that Oron people are ready to take their destinies in their hands. You’re redirecting your destinies and it is going in the right direction.”

Drawing a parallel from the biblical tale, that only one person returned to appreciate when 10 people received healing from Jesus, Akpabio reassured the Oro people that their honour towards him would not go unnoticed.

“For honouring me today, the Lord will honour you. This honour is an honour to President Bola Tinubu who appended his signature to appoint Victor Antai as executive director of NDDC. May God give Oro Nation the grace to sustain this unity.

“An Oron man is known for his character of honesty, transparency, and loyalty. The former State Party Chairman, Arc Otu Ita Toyo, is known for his integrity, when he rejected all the monies he was offered to withdraw the governorship ticket from me. He stood his ground and defended the mandate of the people through my nomination.

“Before I was governor, none of Oro’s five local government areas was accorded the oil-producing status. I recognised you as oil-producing area, by producing Etim Inyang Jnr as Commissioner representing Akwa Ibom State in the Niger Delta Development Commission.

“In 2020, I produced Mr Efiong Akwa as Interim Sole Administrator of NDDC for almost three years. And now, you have Rt Hon. Victor Antai as Executive Director, Project of the NDDC” Akpabio stated.

As the President of the Senate, Akpabio assured the Oro people that he was their ambassador in Abuja, adding that “with the support of Oro people, we will correct our mistakes and reclaim our state.”

Congratulating President Bola Tinubu on his serial victories from the party primaries, elections, and the tribunals, the President-General of Oron Union, Sir Essang Nsa Bassey, while delivering his address, thanked Mr President for the support given Senator Akpabio to become the number three citizen in the current dispensation.

While acknowledging Akpabio’s experience and dexterity in the discharge of his duties, Sir Essang Nsa Bassey noted that Oro people thought it wise to thank the Senate President for the appointment of Sir Victor Antai into NDDC.

The President-General solicited the intervention of Senator Akpabio in the appointment of vice chancellor and constitution of governing board for the University of Maritime Studies, Oron; completion of Section V of the East-West Road; implementation of the Ibaka Deep Seaport; extension of coastal roads to Akwa Ibom State; reconstruction of Trunk A road from Aba, Ikot Ekpene through Uyo to the Oron Beach; and a return to the tripodal basis of sharing political offices in the state.

Speaking earlier at the event, the NDDC executive director of project, Hon. Victor Antai said he was there with his people to appreciate his master for the confidence reposed in him over the years, especially for his recent appointment into NDDC.

The event which was graced by senators and members of the House of Representatives, had in attendance, the Board of Trustees Chairman of Oron Union, Sir Edet J. Amana OON; three paramount rulers of Oron Nation led by the paramount ruler of Urue-Offong Oruko and chairman of Council of Oro Traditional Rulers, HRM Offong Effiong Unanaowo, HRM Ogwong Okon Asukwo Abang (Mbo), HRM Edidem Ita Okokon (Okobo), Sir Asuquo Inuikim, Arc Otu Ita Toyo, Chief Esio Okwong Udo, Chief Benedict Ukpong, all clan heads, among other stakeholders. (WatchmanPost)
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