Ibibio nation from all walks of life on Monday converged to honour their illustrious son, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Gabriel Emmanuel.
The group also unanimously endorsed the governor for 2019 governorship election.
The event which held at the expansive Esan Ibibio ground, Uyo Akwa Ibom State attracted the cream of the society including captains of industries, political leaders, traditional leaders and other socio-political groups.
Present at the occasion include governor of Ekiti State and chairman of the PDP governors forum, Ayo Fayose, his counterpart from Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, and Dr. Okezi Ikpeazu of Abia
State; Senate Minority Leader and immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Obot Akpabio.
Others include senator representing Uyo Senatorial district, Senator Bassey Akpan, former military administrator of Akwa Ibom State, Yakubu Bako and a host of others.
The chairman of the occasion, Air Marshal Nsikak Eduok (retd.) who set the tone for the event said Ibibio people had decided to come together to honour their own son.
He stated that the time when people sit back, vilify and condemned their leaders was gone.
According to him governor Emmanuel had performed well so far and had been able to manage the resources of the state.
He said “the Ibibio people at home and in diaspora have assembled in one accord devoid of political or religious differences to celebrate one of their own. This very ground, the Esan Ibibio is symbol of Ibibio unity and power; it is an indisputable fact that the Ibibio nation has contributed in no small measures to the socio-political and economic development of our nation, Nigeria.
“As the fourth largest ethnic nationality and as the state that contributes most of what accrue today for Nigeria’s common wealth, Ibibio nation and Akwa Ibom State indeed must be distinctly heard in the Nigerian debate.
“Our answer to the Nigerian question must be clearly defined in line with the well-being of Akwa Ibom people of today and generations yet to come. Ibibio people, once again, it is time to bury all our bitterness and anger. It is also time that we mended fences and team up to work for the progress and development of Akwa Ibom people.”
In his goodwill presentation, the Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio said Governor Udom Emmanuel was a symbol of unity and the people did not make mistake in electing him governor.
He said the training as a banker and rising to the highest pinnacle of the banking sector had paid off in the development strides witnessed in the state in the last two years, especially during the recession.
He said, “God should put the spirit of unity in our hearts so that whatever we say and do will unite us in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria. God should give the leadership of this country the wisdom to embark on projects that would benefit all and sundry.
Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose, commended Governor Emmanuel for his exemplary leadership, stressing that the crowd was a testimony to his being in touch with the people.
Fayose who used the occasion to campaign for his presidential ambition said he would be president of the country in 2019.
He added that he had already secured two million votes in Akwa Ibom State.
Governors Rochas Okorocha of Imo State and his counterpart from Abia State, Dr. Okezi Ikpeazu, who also spoke at the occasion stressed the need for unity and cooperation between the people of the South-South and South-East.