Akan Okon: Nothing will destroy my over 40 years of friendship with Udom Emmanuel

 Akan Okon, immediate Akwa-Ibom past commissioner of economic development and Ibom deep seaport, says he still keeps a warm relationship with the governor, Udom Emmanuel, despite his endorsement of someone else as his preferred successor.

Okon, who is also contesting for the governorship of Akwa Ibom state, said the governor has been his friend for more than 40 years, and he is not ready to sacrifice his relationship with him because of politics.

“Governor Udom Emmanuel is my friend. This is my 40th year of friendship with the Governor. Nothing will stand in the way of our relationship. Akwa Ibom people will continue to see us together,” he said.

Okon resigned his appointment as commissioner on Monday 14th March, to contest for the governorship of the state.

At a post-resignation press conference on Sunday, he said having been part of Udom’s administration, he understands the policy direction of the government and will ensure that there is no dislocation in completion of all ongoing projects.

“His Excellency Governor Udom Emmanuel has done well. He has embarked on several projects that are legacy projects. And some of these projects cannot be completed in the lifespan of this administration,” he added.

“There’s need for someone who has an understanding of the system, and who will be able to continue with these projects so as to ensure that they are completed to serve the purpose it was intended for the Akwa Ibom people.

“Governor Emmanuel’s development of the state is based on three gateways, that’s the land, the sea and the air. And fortunately, I am the one who handled all the projects in these three areas.

“At 34, Akwa Ibom State cannot afford to be an experimental field where people come to learn leadership in public service.

“We need someone who has been around, and who understands the various sectors of the economy and the challenges that are facing our people so that from day one; he will hit the ground running in embarking on those programmes and policies that will lead to an improvement to the standard of living of our people.

“Therefore, I am better equipped to be able to continue with what His Excellency has done so that Akwa Ibom State can be what we all want it to be”, he said.