By News Maker in Abuja
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has vowed to work with Governor Umo Eno to move Akwa Ibom State forward, declaring that he would rather join hands with the governor than engage in political confrontation.
Akpabio made the declaration on Tuesday at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, where he commissioned the newly acquired Airbus A220-300 Series aircraft for Ibom Air.
The Senate President, a former two-term governor of Akwa Ibom, said the commissioning was evidence of the unity and development taking place in the state, describing Akwa Ibom as a “shining example” for other states.
He said, “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 also assured residents that the state would not witness the kind of political disputes experienced elsewhere between governors and Senate presidents.
Akpabio praised Eno for continuing projects inherited from previous administrations, saying the governor had demonstrated commitment by refusing to abandon projects funded with the resources of Akwa Ibom people.
He also applauded the governor’s investment in human capital, particularly the training of young Akwa Ibom indigenes to participate in the aviation industry. Akpabio said he saw aspects of his own leadership approach in Eno’s administration.
The former governor further commended Captain Mfon Udom and the management of Ibom Air for expanding the airline’s fleet, while pledging continued cooperation in support of the state’s development agenda and the federal government’s programmes.
Speaking earlier, Governor Eno declared September a month of appreciation, noting that it was the month Akwa Ibom was created from the old Cross River State. He urged citizens to appreciate God for the state’s journey while describing the new Airbus as another milestone in the expansion of Ibom Air and the state’s aviation industry.
