Okon Bassey in Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has warned against any act of violence by members of the political class in the state in order to get to power in the 2023 general election.
The governor in his Christmas broadcast at the weekend tasked the people of the state to maintain the peace being enjoyed in the state.
He warned that “anyone, who for selfish political purposes, wants to reverse this peace must and will be rejected; anyone who aims to grab power through the instrument of violence must be stopped and rejected.
“And let me even add this that anyone who aims at getting to power is by the use of violence against his or her people will end up ruling with violence.
“May the season of peace which Christmas represents, never see our state go through such politically-motivated years of violence again.
“These are not issues we should take for granted. Our people have found peace among themselves. Peace has seen us tap into our creative wells, and the entrepreneurial culture is being embraced by our people, especially the youths. We must maintain this peace with every fibre of our beings.”
The governor urged the political class to always remember that politics is transient, but the soul and spirit of Akwa Ibom people will remain undiluted and committed to the unity and brotherhood of the state.
He called on politicians to eschew bitterness and hatred from body-politic, saying: “All power belongs to God Almighty, and He gives such to whom He has qualified. God does not choose a man that is qualified; but he qualifies a man that He chooses.
“Let this season be that of love and giving. Reach out to those who need help. Give them a reason to be cheerful and hopeful; share in the blessings God has given you and help spread the Christmas cheers and joy.”
He applauded the youths for helping to maintain peace in this state, assuring them that what the state is putting on ground, which is “the sustainable growth paradigm we are bringing to bear, will create in a few years a new Akwa Ibom State which you will all be proud to be associated with.”
