WEEKLY

WEEKLY NEWS
Vol. 3 No. 3. Mon. Feb. 20 - Sun. Feb. 26, 2017
Ati Annang Honours
Gov. Emmanuel as Grand Patron
Uwem Kerns
t was a memorable occasion marked with pomp and
Iceremony as various colourfully attired groups,
notable politians, intellectuals, captains of industry and
the cream of society turned up in large number at the
Ikot Ekpene stadium to witness the investiture of the
governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, as Grand Patron by a
foremost socio-cultural organization, the Ati Anang
Foundation.
Governor Emmanuel whose wife, Martha, was also
inducted as honourary member of the Foundation,
thanked the executive members of the organization for
the honour done him and promised not to let the people
of Ikot Ekpene senatorial district down, in the light of
the support he got during his election, and for his
administration.
While promising not to renege on his determination
to industrialise the state for the benefit of all, the
governor pointed out that the completion of the Uyo –
Ikot Ekpene highway was uppermost in his mind,
maintaining that what was delaying the road work was
the issue of litigation cases of compensation.
He appealed to all those whose property have been
affected to come forward for an out-of-court settlement
in order to create room for a speedy completion of the
project, adding that his administration believes strongly
in the rule of law and respect for the right of every
citizen.
’’I therefore urge the affected persons to, out of
patriotism, sheath their sword and embrace alternative
resolution as this unending litigation has hindered the
smooth execution of the road construction project".
Governor Emmanuel congratulated the Ati Annang
Foundation for its outstanding development strides and
promised to empower five persons, out of which three
must be women, in each of the annang-speaking local
government areas.
He also pledged a donation towards the completion
of the construction of Ati Annang Foundation
international headquarters building.
In his remarks, the senate Minority Leader, Senator
Gov Emmanuel ( r) being presented with a symbol of a live cow
during his investiture by Mr. Joseph Umannah, on behalf of Itai Afe Annang.
Gov. Emmanuel and wife, Martha, being presented with a
gift by the Ati Annang Foundation
Godswill Akpabio, expressed appreciation to the
organisation for upholding the true Annang spirit of
unity, love, sacrifice and sincerity and assured the
people that there existed no rift between him and the
governor, saying that anything to the contrary existed
only in the minds of detractors.
Senator Akpabio urged the people to build bridges
of love across the ethnic divide and ignore detractors
whose stock in trade, he said, is to fan embers of
disaffection among brothers and congratulated
Governor Emmanuel, for the prudent utilisation of the
limited resources through the provision of landmark
infrastructure across the state.
On his part, the senate Minority Whip, Senator Philip
Adudua, expressed delight at the harmonious
coexistence prevalent in the state, and commended the
people for their decision to celebrate their own.
The wife of the governor, Mrs. Martha Udom
Emmanuel, who was also inducted as a member of the
foundation, thanked her people for the honour done her
and her husband and prayed God to bless the people.
Also, the immediate past first lady of the state, Mrs.
Ekaette- unoma Akpabio, in appreciation, burst into
songs for the overwhelming love bestowed on her, her
husband and the incumbent Governor Udom Emmanuel
as well as his wife, Martha.
The Speaker of the state House of Assembly,
Barrister Onofiok Luke, who was accompanied by other
law makers, in a goodwill message called on Akwa Ibom
sons and daughters in privileged positions to close ranks
and work for the overall development of the state and
not be allowed by sycophants to distract their focus
with irrelevant tales.
Mr. Luke congratulated the Ati Annang for
sustaining the vision of its founding fathers and
reaffirmed the readiness of the state House of
Assembly, to partner with Governor Udom Emmanuel
beyond the first tenure.
He thanked the Foundation for embarking on life-
3