The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke has said that the State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel has adopted a style of governance that will sustain development in the State.
Hon. Luke who made the statement while playing host to the EXCO of a group of former lawmakers at the State level under the aegis of Congress of Former State Legislators - Akwa Ibom State on a courtesy call, the Speaker said the governor "has shifted from the immediate short term gains of democracy to a sustainable governance model by way of creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, away from us looking at politics and more politics."
He said: "I have listened to your acknowledgement of the achievements of the Governor Emmanuel administration. For some persons who do not have that basic understanding, we were used to a brand of politics in Akwa Ibom State and we have a man who has come to change that brand of politics in the state.
It is not always easy to come to terms with a shift in ideology and thinking. What the governor has offered today is a shift in thinking.
Some people may not appreciate this shift. But for those who understand the need for a new thinking on the political economy, it is easy to comprehend what the governor is doing.
And what he is doing is to create jobs for the people, make the environment viable for investments, provide security, solid infrastructure and allow for sound legislation."
He also stressed that Governor Emmanuel has also come with a different ideology that it is not the business of government to do business, adding that government only enables the environment that will bring businessmen and institutions to do business.
"I have been giving the example of the cattle ranch in Uruan and I will always do so. The governor may make a pronouncement like the one on 2000 cows in Uruan which is coming to pass. Now people have been asking why should government go and purchase 2000 cows for a ranch in Uruan.
They did not bother to ask ‘is it government that is buying the cows?’ No! Of course, it is not government that is buying the cows!
Government, in its investment drive, has gone to Mexico and has been able to bring in a Mexican who has a large ranch in his place, and the Mexican has agreed to bring in 2000 cows without government putting in one Naira.
"The investor has decided to grass the ranch in Uruan. Now, what is the benefit of the 2000 cows and the ranch to Akwa Ibom people? There are many of them as more and more yoghurt makers like the makers of Farm Pride yoghurts and the rest are replete in the market and ready to patronise ranches like this.
"We see an instance of this huge patronage in the ranch in Jos where they have just about 600 cows. From that farm alone, they have been able to feed thousands of people with yoghurt. What about cheese and other byproducts? Now if we have 2000 cows, you can imagine what long term benefits we can derive.
What about the dairy factory? We could create employments through it like we are seeing with the establishment of the coconut factory. All that we need to do is to key in to see that these targets are achieved.
If small businesses thrive, they will support the establishment of bigger industries. We must therefore support the governor to succeed, he added.
Thanking his colleagues for taking it upon themselves to colour his efforts and cover his errors, Luke noted that their ideas and wealth of experience have been of immense use.
He said it is the avowed commitment of the house to try to look into the issues of the former members of this legislature.
"We have come to see firsthand what a legislature goes through. Whereas he has so much pressure as the closest person to the grassroots who must from time to time give all out to the people, there is no allocation to cover this; he goes home in the end with nothing because there is no provision for his pensionable years", he explained.
Earlier in his address, the Leader of the Congress, Hon Saturday Akpan appreciated the Speaker for his support to the Congress, especially through facilitating its recently held election.
"We will not fail to also thank you for all the other things you have done for the congress, especially as regards the welfare, valedictory session for deceased members and families, as well as the high regards accorded former legislators", Akpan said.
He noted that having adjudged Luke as the first sitting speaker that has shown so much concern about the wellbeing of former legislators, the Congress has unanimously resolved to work with him and give him all the needed support now and in the future.
In attendance were Leader of Congress, Hon. Saturday Akpan (Ukanafun); Deputy Leader, Barr Uwem Ekanem, Scribe; Barr Usenobong Akpabio, Leader of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District; Chief Ukata Akpan, Leader of Uyo Senatorial District; Dr Ekaette Okon, Director of Publicty; Engr Asuquo Odiong; Rt. Hon. Okpolupum Ikpong Ette; Dr. Sarah Esitikot and Hon. Inyang Eno.
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