Jonathan Advises A’Ibom to Elect Right Leaders for Sustainable Development, Peace

The former President made this known on Sunday during a Special Inter-Denominational Thanksgiving Service to celebrate 35th anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria’s 62nd Independence, held at Ibom Hall Grounds, Uyo

Dr. Jonathan who joined worshipers to thank God for the peace, growth and advancement of the state and its leaders, pointed out that there is need to sustain the momentum of developmental projects initiated by Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration, adding that the state should remain on the path of electing a candidate that will not disrupt the peace in the state.

“What you must carry on in 2023 is that we will not make mistake in appointing killers, those who will do all kinds of things to go and kill people because of politics. If you kill to become a leader you will continue to kill to remain a leader, so you must continue in that same spirit and make sure that from House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate and Governor you vote the right people in Akwa Ibom State.

The former President who was the special guest of honour commended youths in the state for their peaceful disposition in supporting the governor achieve sustainable projects without incidences of vandalism to disrupt progress, and acknowledged the contributions of all to move the State forward.

“I thank your wife, I thank the Executive Council members that work with you to achieve all this.

“Let me sincerely appreciate the youths of Akwa Ibom State, you are not the kind that will go on to vandalize infrastructure otherwise the Governor’s victory song wouldn’t have lasted. Youths of Akwa Ibom State, you are good people and I am quite happy that some of you received an award during the State Banquet”, he stated.

Earlier, Governor Udom the host expressed appreciation to God for celebrating the 35th anniversary of the State. He thanked the Father’s in Faith, members of the House of Assembly, National Assembly, Judiciary during his administration to reach out to the people by adding value to lives.

Governor Emmanuel further acknowledged the contributions of the forebears who laid the foundation in the struggle for state creation and past leaders who served meritoriously.

“I want to appreciate God for the grace and for inspired dreams, I want to appreciate the leaders before me and most especially the man who took the bold step to pronounce Akwa Ibom as a State, General Ibrahim Babangida”.

In a goodwill message, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Sen. Douye Diri, described Governor Udom Emmanuel as God sent, and the people of the state as a happy people, remarking that inspite of the harsh economy experienced in the Country, Akwa Ibom has tangible reasons to celebrate peaceful coexistence and development.

In his homily on the theme: “The Author and Finisher”, drawn from Heb: 12: 2, the Senior Pastor, Eternity Network International, Apostle Joshua Selman, admonished leaders to look up to God as their source to guide and direct in order to lead in the right path and refrain from relying on their knowledge or abilities.

The event had in attendance, Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, Mrs Martha Udom Emmanuel, Dame Patience Jonathan, Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo, clergymen, captains of industry, members of the political class, traditional rulers, and other worshipers.