Akwa Ibom State governor Umo Eno has said his visit to President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja was to pave way for his state to benefit from the government at the centre.
He said it was also to strengthen the unity of Nigeria, stressing that since the elections were over, the time had come for the political leaders to place national interest above personal goals.
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The governor told State House correspondents yesterday after a meeting with the president at the Presidential Villa that his mission included congratulating Tinubu over his election victory and swearing-in, as well as to express “unwavering support, commitment, and loyalty to Tinubu and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Eno is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which is challenging the emergence of Tinubu as president at the tribunal.
Governor Eno emphasised the need for unity and collaboration between the state and federal government to ensure that the people of Akwa Ibom benefit from democracy.
He stated, “Politics is over, and governance has started. Akwa Ibom is an integral part of Nigeria, and we have to work with the federal government to ensure that Akwa Ibomites see the benefits of democracy. We cannot do that if we stand apart.”
The governor stated several key areas where the state requires federal intervention for development.
He expressed the need to complete the Calabar-Itu road, stating, “We will need the President to help us intervene and expedite the completion of this road.”
Additionally, Governor Eno discussed the importance of the Ibom Deep Seaport Project and requested the President’s support in making it a reality.
He also mentioned the necessity of obtaining an export licence and a free zone for the state’s airport to enhance its maintenance and repair capabilities.
In response to his requests, Eno said the president assured him of his commitment to addressing these issues.
On the recent removal of fuel subsidy and its impact on the citizens, he revealed that his deputy had already distributed palliatives to all local government areas in the state.
He also pledged to engage with petroleum marketers in Akwa Ibom to find additional measures to alleviate the hardships faced by the people.
He assured the public that his administration would implement various initiatives to mitigate the effects of the subsidy removal.
He stated, “In the coming week, we will unveil a range of measures to support our people and shield them from the effects of the subsidy removal. We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to alleviate their hardships.