GOVERNOR Emmanuel PLEDGES SCIENCE TECH COLLEGE IN OKOBO

By Umoh-Obong Kingsley

Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has announced plans by his administration to establish a School of Science and Technology in Okobo Local Government Area.

He disclosed this at the Government School, Okobo, during his gubernatorial campaign rally, on Wednesday.

Addressing the crowd of supporters who defied the rains, to declare their unwavering support for  his second term, Governor Emmanuel decried the absence of a standard  standard science school in the area.

He announced that one of the community schools that were taken over by the state government in Okobo would be transformed into a School of Science and Technology.

"From September this year, everything needed for the School of Science and Technology to commence operation, including the science laboratory, ICT center, , will be made available."

The Governor described as unfortunate, how loyalists most times, try to be sabotaging all efforts to bring about developments in a particular area.

"At times, you won't know that those who are under you are the ones trying to sabotage you."

He hinted that the contract for the dualization of the Nung Atai - Atabong - Beach Road projects which was initially awarded to an indigenous contractor within the Oro Nation, had to be terminated because the contractor delayed and abandoned the project.

"We have terminated and reawarded the contract to an international contractor, after the initial indigenous contractor within the Oro Nation abandoned the project and disappointed our decision to be patriotic."

Governor Emmanuel further disclosed that within the short period of his administration, he has laid all foundations, and that he was coming back to start constructions,  explaining that he had to start all over because there was not even a kilometre of road done in Okobo by the immediate past administration.

He reiterated his commitment to create employment opportunities and empowerment programmes for the youths of Okobo in his second term.

Earlier in his goodwill message,  Chief Barr Ekpenyong Ntekim, stated that Akwa Ibom is on the path of dignity, adding that Governor Emmanuel has come to reactivate the covenant of development he entered with Okobo people.

He said that the agreement will expire in 2023 as the entire Okobo LGA has  resolved to vote for Governor Udom Emmanuel in the forthcoming gubernatorial elections.

On his part, Chapter Chairman, Okobo PDP, Hon Finbarr said Okobo people are conscious of the election and are determined to vote massively to return the Governor to the Hilltop Mansion because of the huge success story of his administration in the area.

"You've taken over three secondary schools in Okobo. Okobo now produces garri following the cassava plantation in the area," says Okobo Council boss, Hon Ubue Ubue

Also speaking, Hon Pastor Asuquo Nduoyi, said the youths had already decided and endorsed Governor Udom Emmanuel for second term, and are only waiting for 2nd March because his second term project is the project of the youths in Okobo.

Director General of Divine Mandate Campaign organisation and former military governor of the state, Air Commodore, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga, stated that the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II, visited and invested N1.2 billion in the state recently following the peaceful disposition of Governor Udom Emmanuel.

He disclosed that the Emir would be in the state on Friday to inaugurate his investment.

The State Chairman of PDP, Obong Paul Ekpo, urged the people not to allow anyone deceive them to collect their Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) with the pretence of empowerment, saying that they are scams.

He said "There is no more oil, and the only available oil had been used to anoint Governor Udom Emmanuel that is why the rain subsided the moment he stepped in."