‘SHOW YOUR RECORDS OF PERFORMANCE, NOT NOISE’

The Hon. Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr . Akan Okon has challenged the aspirants for 2023 gubernatorial seat in Akwa Ibom to stop jostling for the top job with empty brag but show their report card of previous achievements and contributions to the state.

Drumming up support for the succession plan of Governor Udom Emmanuel, when a team of ministers from Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria (IBBN) paid him a visit, he charged that not only should politicians aspire for 2023 elections but should present their track records of achievements to the people, so that the electorate can decide who have experience, capacity and temperament to sustain peace and industrialization programme of this administration.

“To be a governor is not an event that you have to dress to attend. It requires a process and I’ve been involved in the process and I know what it takes to make a good governor. Let the church be praying and be watchful,” he said. Enjoining the fathers of faith to be vigilant over the activities of some pastors who are double-dealers, charged that electorate should focus on track records of what anyone who wants to contest has and not be deluded by craftiness of such politicians.

He implored the fathers of faith to stand strong with Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel over his succession plan in order for Akwa Ibom State not to falter in producing a credible successor, with capacity to take the state to greater level of development and peace.

Speaking against cultism, the Commissioner said he was raised a believer in Christ Jesus and has stood firm in his faith over the years without soiling his hands in ills, as he pleaded with the fathers of faith not to be divided but speak with one voice and also pray for Governor Udom Emmanuel, so that he would remain strong and focused on his avowal not to let Akwa Ibom State slip into the hands of cultists.

According to him, godfearing leaders Udom Emmanuel who are in the forefront of onslaught against cultism and violence, were a target of attacks by forces of the dark world, hence he solicited for prayers for the Governor, asserting only a God-favoured person with capacity to deliver on the gains of this administration will emerge next governor.
The investment banker who has served in several outstanding public offices as commissioner, including ministry of finance and now delivering on the Governor’s vision on the Ibom Deep Seaports and the Airports, applauded Governor Udom Emmanuel for his foresight in investing in projects that will create wealth,  employment and sustainable development in Akwa Ibom State. He, however, stressed that the church has a prominent role to play in electing the next governor.

Going down memory lane, he thanked the governor for giving him opportunity to serve the state in many capacities, noting that his experience in his years of service in the State has also prepared him for the next line of responsibility in the State and added: “I’m very happy the Governor of Akwa Ibom State has said nobody who has been involved in cultism will succeed him and that he is waiting for God to reveal his successor to him, pastors should unite in supporting this position. We should not say one thing in the day and do another in the night.”