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Okon Bassey in Uyo
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has praised the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Akpan for demonstrating what the Governor described as true constructive opposition.
The governor made the remark while responding to an appeal by the PDP State Chairman, during the commissioning of a newly constructed General Hospital and 2.2km access road in Ikot Akpan Nkuk, the Ukanafun Local Government Area headquarters.
His words: “Thank you, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Akpan, for showing others how to be an opposition. Opposition is not about insulting leaders; it is about acknowledging what government has done and constructively drawing attention to areas that need action.”
“My role is to complete projects that benefit the people, I am not in the politics of hatred and fighting, I am a pastor by calling, and God has called me to the ministry of reconciliation and peace.”
He cautioned citizens against provoking political conflicts or insulting leaders in the state.
“When they go low, we go high. Abusing a senior person will never make anyone a senior; follow peace with all men.”
At the commissioning, Governor Eno approved the completion of the 18.96-kilometre Ikot Ibritam–Mbiaso–Inen Ekefe -Ikot Akpan Afaha road, a project initiated by his immediate predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel.
“Because of the overwhelming joy and appreciation shown by the people of Ukanafun today, I hereby approve the completion of the Inen Ekefe road.”
Governor Eno also praised the quality of internal roads within the Ukanafun General Hospital complex and also directed that the Inen Ekefe road contract be re-awarded to AYF Construction for improved delivery.
He said his administration remains committed to completing inherited but impactful projects across Akwa Ibom State, insisting that development, not conflict, will continue to define his leadership.
Governor Eno appreciated the House of Representatives member, Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem, for partnering government through infrastructural and empowerment programmes to his people.
“That is how to cooperate with government, not to fight government.”
The governor announced two major upgrades to the newly opened hospital, installation of an MRI machine and establishment of a dialysis centre within 90 days.
According to him: “Let an MRI machine be here, a dialysis centre has to be here, I don’t know how much it is, but we must provide it because people shouldn’t have to travel far for treatment.”
Governor Eno reaffirmed that rural development remains central to the ARISE Agenda, noting ongoing construction of 31 cottage hospitals, 31 model primary schools, and other projects across the state.
He restated that the Ikot Ekpene International Market will be commissioned before year’s end.
“You elected us to serve, and by the grace of God, we are giving our all to make sure Akwa Ibom is ranked among the best-governed states in this country.”
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, praised the governor’s health sector transformation, saying:
“The results are obvious, this hospital is equipped with modern facilities, automatic chemistry analysers, haematology analysers, a fully equipped medical laboratory and complete staff accommodation. This is the future of general hospitals in Akwa Ibom.”
He further highlighted achievements under the Health Emergency Programme, including 18 newly constructed staff apartments to improve personnel retention and hospital efficiency.
The Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga, outlined the components of the access road project, while the Pioneer Medical Superintendent, Dr. Ekerette Sunday Dan, pledged to maintain high medical standards and efficient service delivery.
Similarly, the Paramount Ruler of Ukanafun, Akuku (Engr.) Amos Daniel Akpan, in appreciation, conferred on the Governor the traditional title of “Ette Nchóñg Idem” (Father of Good Health) for bringing life-changing development to the area.
In their separate goodwill messages, PDP State Chairman, Elder Aniekan Akpan, member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam federal constituency, Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem, NMA Chairman, Dr. Aniekan Peter, Member representing Ukanafun State Constituency, Hon. Ememabasi Udom, Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong, and other stakeholders, applauded the governor for his developmental strides describing him as focused and compassionate.
