The conference of ex-Councilors of Akwa Ibom State, have passed a vote of confidence on the government and administration of the State Governor, Mr Udom  Emmanuel, reaffirming their support for the Divine mandate.

They said this during an official visit to the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Right Honourable Victor Antai, on Friday 29th January, the forum, which has metamorphosed into a grassroots representative and mobilization group called ‘The Akwa Ibom Deciders’, reaffirmed their unbridled support for the leadership of Governor Udom Emmanuel stressing that he has over-performed in the 7 months of his governance.

Hon. Victor Antai (middle right), the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and Hon. Charles Bassey, Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Councillors (middle left) with members, Akwa Ibom State Councillors

In his speech, the Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Councillors, Hon. Charles Bassey, congratulated Governor Nyesom Wike for his confirmation as Governor of Rivers State by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

“We also praise the Supreme Court for upholding justice in that case.

“We all have been praying for the Supreme Court to do the same for the Akwa Ibom people. It is the will of our people for the mandate we gave freely to Governor Udom to be confirmed once and for all; and we are very sure that, come that judgment day, God is going to answer the prayers of the Akwa Ibom people.”

Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Councillors, Hon. Charles Bassey (left)

Hon Charles Bassey, who also is the former deputy leader of the Ibiono Ibom council further explained that the group is planning a mass grassroot rally for Governor Udom Emmanuel.

“We recognize his strides and we will come out of the grassroots to support him and encourage him to do more.

The date will be announced very soon, likely next month.

When asked in a later parley with journalists, whether the planned rally will be affected by the Supreme Court judgment, he asserted:

“Not at all. This rally will not be affected by the expected Supreme Court judgment; whatever it will be.

“Wherever Udom is, that’s where we are”

Responding, the Commissioner thanked the forum for their support for the mandate and leadership of Mr Udom Emmanuel, reiterating that the Governor has proved he was the right choice for the office, and that the commendations he is receiving from several groups and individuals were proper.

He seized the opportunity to assure the ex-councillors that the Government is working assiduously to pay all gratuity owed to the ex-Chairmen, Supervisors, Vice Chairmen and Councillors. He mentioned that the total debt, accumulated since 2007 amounts to about N1.1 billion naira, and although the country is witnessing severe economic difficulty, Governor Udom, through his rare ingenuity, is working out the modality for those debts to be cleared soon.

“If we cannot pay in full, we can at least start paying in part.

“We are working on something, and very soon we will reach out to you,” he said to a thunderous applause from the room.

Honourable Effiong Ante, a frontline member of the group moved the motion to support Governor Udom Emmanuel: “Wheras the good works of Gov Udom Emmanuel have been enumerated severally, I hereby move a motion of affirmation of support for the Divine mandate of Governor Udom Em manuel.” The motion was seconded by Honourable Esther Edet from Okobo.