Former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, has let it be known that all is well between him and his successor in the state, Udom Emmanuel.
Senator Akpabio distanced himself from media reports that he is displeased with Governor Emmanuel for alleged waste of public funds on a trip to the United States of America (USA) to attend the just concluded AKISAN Convention, held in Philadelphia.
Speaking to The Recorder, Akpabio insisted that he is on very good terms with the governor, and commended what he described as Emmanuel’s inclusive style of governance which is getting Akwa Ibom citizens in the Diaspora involved in the development blueprint of the state. He also praised Emmanuel’s investment drives, which he identified as a major goal of the governor’s attendance of the US convention.
“The AKISAN Conference is a viable forum for social and economic interactions between Akwa Ibom people from across the world,” said Akpabio, adding that he also attended the convention during his own administration.
“The event has been a necessary interface between the Government and its people in the Diaspora, in which case the gains of a vibrant diaspora to its home state or country are many and varied.
“This network of kinship is a well-known provider of remittances and major source of revenue for the country at large. It also helps improve economic activities by creating and conducting business transactions across international borders, promoting foreign direct investment, in addition to transferring new knowledge and skills.”
Akpabio cautioned “mischief-makers” to desist from peddling untruths, saying they should leave him alone.
He affirmed his total support for Mr. Emmanuel, extolling the governor for taking bold steps to respond to the yearnings of Akwa Ibom people.