…. “We need trucks of projects not drums of war”
Disturbed by the recent vituperative outbursts by the Executive Director, Projects of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr Victor Antai several groups in Akwa Ibom have warned him against stoking flames capable of destroying the State.
The latest being a group, Akwa Ibom Visioners who berated him for his unguided utterances capable of sowing seeds of discord in the peaceful state.
In a statement jointly signed by Pastor Victor Charles, and made available to Journalists in Uyo on Wednesday, the group frowned at Antai for not being sensitive to the political mood of the State.
According to the statement, “Antai has been blessed to be in the NDDC as Executive Director of Projects, and instead of bringing projects, he is instigating violence and crises in the State.”
They wondered why Mr Antai who who had seen Governor Umo Eno’s peaceable disposition to everyone despite political differences, would choose to embark on a lone journey of inflammatory rhetorics against the Governor.
“Governor Umo Eno has displayed a high level of political inclusivity since coming to power, carrying all Akwa Ibom leaders and stakeholders along irrespective of political party platforms.”
“Such exemplary leadership style of the governor should be emulated by all Akwa Ibom leaders, as against this banal politics by Mr Victor Antai.
“We have observed the way Governor Umo Eno is stabilizing the political climate of the State by giving every Akwa Ibom person that sense of belonging. You will even think that he does not have a political party. His major concern is the interest of Akwa Ibom State hence, he is rallying all Akwa Ibom people to attract development from the federal government to the State. For Governor Eno, his guiding principle in governance.
“From the way Governor respects President Bola Tinubu to the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, everyone has seen that Governor Eno stands for peace, unity and prosperity of the State.
“Does such a governor deserve the kind of insults and abuses Mr Antai displayed? Imagine giving a microphone to a lady to insult a State Governor,” the statement continued.
The group hailed Governor Umo Eno on his developmental strides across the State, noting that about 80 roads are presently under construction as flagged off by the governor, and expressed disappointment that Mr Antai who is supposed to partner the State Government on development owing to his position as the executive director projects in the NDDC is rather the one leading the insults on the governor.
“We have seen what the governor is doing. He is responsive across all the sectors including human development. Imagine the billions already committed to payment of gratuities of retirees.
“In the aspect of projects, we are proud of Governor Umo Eno’s accomplishments so far. Over 80 billion Naira is already being released for road construction projects across the State, including the roads in Victor Antai’s community. And instead of writing appreciation letter to the governor, he is trying to dent the governor’s image through peddling false information.
“It is even Mr Victor Antai, as an executive director of projects in the NDDC, and indeed, the entire APC family from Akwa Ibom State at the national level that are performing abysmally below expectations. One would have expected Mr Antai to approach the governor to see roads he can attract to Akwa Ibom State, but he would not do it because he does not love Akwa Ibom State, and it is obvious he does not also love himself,” the group concludes.
They enumerated various projects and initiatives of the governor including the Ibom Model farms and general agricultural revolution, Ibom Neighbourhood Watch, healthcare development, education renaissance, bulk purchase agency and free food distribution as well as the shelter programme for the poor.
The group thanked Governor Eno for his humane character and spirit of unity as the leader of Akwa Ibom State, and passed a vote of confidence on the governor.
They particularly appreciated the governor for his humility, and commended his aides for ensuring that the peaceful mien of the governor reflects in their conducts by not toing the path of Victor Antai to abuse and attack anyone who shares a different political belief with their boss, and cautioned Antai not to push them to the world.
The statement strongly warned Mr Antai against truncating the peace that is being enjoyed in the State through his untoward and petty conduct, to the extent of bringing the respectable name of Governor Umo Eno to disrepute.
They appealed to Governor Eno to keep on with his good work.