Emmanuel lists reasons why A’Ibom should celebrate

Udom Emmanuel, governor of Akwa Ibom state, has given reasons why citizens should celebrate the 2019 Christmas season.

Speaking at the Akwa Ibom Christmas Carol festival 2019, held at the Ibom Hall Arena, Uyo last Friday, cited the overwhelming peace enjoyed in the state, a violence-free 2019 elections, ongoing infrastructural development and industrialisation, as well as recent affirmation of his electoral victory by the supreme court as some of the reasons.

Emmanuel said he is a great example of God’s manifold blessings, love and grace, adding that one with God is a majority despite the slings and the machinations those who do not wish the state well.

“By this time last year, the atmosphere in this state was pregnant with a lot of manufactured uncertainties, many doomsday scenarios and hair-raising predictions were made,” he said.

“The political space was filled with unnecessary tension because a few people had ascribed to themselves the monopoly of God and the repositories of power and might. A political contest that should be based purely in the capacity to persuade people predicated on a set of ideals and achievements was reduced to the crass level of the invocation of the spectre of violence; and some people had boasted that the state and our people will witness what Adolf Hitler did to the people of Poland during the Second World War.”

The governor, therefore, thanked God, who alone made the election not just the most peaceful, free and credible, but made Akwa Ibom people troop out en massé, wait patiently in long queue to cast their votes, and thereafter, form human shield around their votes.

He commended the judiciary for upholding the will of the people to stand by affirming the 2019 governorship election that took place in the state.

“The election tribunal sitting in Uyo affirmed the expressed and overwhelming will of our people in me to continue leading them as their servant–leader. The Appeal Court, sitting in Calabar, also followed suit and again in a unanimous decision, affirmed my victory. Just two days ago, the Supreme Court, also unanimously affirmed my victory,” he said.

He called all citizens notwithstanding political party affiliation to join hands with his administration to build an Akwa Ibom with a sustainable economy, explaining that political parties are merely vehicles to seek power, and should not be the instrument of separation and disunity among the people.

In his homily at the event, Enoch Adeboye, general overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), said God is in Akwa Ibom and that he does not go to where God is not found.

In his homily, Adeboye said: “When God is on the throne, the earth becomes his footstool. When He arises, the enemies scatter When He walks pass, the dead rise. When God visits, doors open and enemies are put to shame. And If He abides, He makes the great to become greater.”

Thrilling guests at the event were Vinesong from the United Kingdom, Ghana’s Harmonious Chorale, Kunle Ajayi, Joe Praize, Pita, Nathaniel Bassey and scores of indigenous coral groups.