Ikpeazu, a trans-generational leader, says Odom

The governor of Akwa Ibom State, Deacon Emmanuel Odom has described the governor of the state, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu as a trans-generational leader.

Odom who was in Abia State on Friday to commission the 9.3km Osokwa-Aro Umuejie-Omoba road said that he was happy with the infrastructural developmental strides of the Ikpeazu led administration.

The Akwa Ibom State governor who said that he was overwhelmed with the encomium showered on Ikpeazu by some of the stakeholders that spoke at the event, urged Governor Ikpeazu not to be worried by the antics of his detractors, stressing that it was better to start slowly and get it right at the end.

He said that he and the entire PDP Governors are proud of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

According to him, the quality of work done by Ikpeazu especially on infrastructure shows the type of administrations PDP Governors run.

He encouraged the people to sustain their support for Governor Ikpeazu, urging Abians to be patient with governments as development takes time. 

Governor Emmanuel used the opportunity to disclose that his administration in Akwa Ibom State constructed a 160 metres road to link Akwa Ibom to Arochukwu, Abia State. 

Earlier, Governor of Abia State who lamented the suffering of road users accessing Abia through Ikot-Ekpene-Aba Federal Highway said the deplorable nature of federal road linking the two neighbouring states has impacted negatively on commerce and trade in the state.

Hence, the need to construct the 9.3km Osokwa-Aro Umuejie-Omoba road to serve as an alternative route to road users coming and exiting the state’s economic nerve center.

Dr. Ikpeazu expressed hope that the road would mutually improve the economic advancement of both Akwa Ibom and Abia and called for more unity and harmonious relationship between the two states.

Also speaking, the Deputy Governor, Rt Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, appreciated Governor Ikpeazu for constructing quality roads in Abia State and urged the beneficiaries of the road to protect the roads to ensure that its longevity is guaranteed. 

In their separate speeches, the Member representing Obingwa/Osisioma/Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Hon. Solomon Adaelu and his Isiala Ngwa North/South Federal Constituency counterpart, Hon. Darlington Nwokocha expressed their gratitude to the Governor for constructing the road which they said would improve the economy of the host communities of the road and of the entire state. 

Contributing, the Member representing Osisioma Ngwa North State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Kenedy Njoku said the road is historical as this was going to be the first time since 1991 that a tarred road was constructed in Osisioma Ngwa North State Constituency. 

Also, the State Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, Rt. Hon. Asiforo Okere saluted the great achievements of the Governor, saying that the PDP is proud of him and described the quality of roads done as what the PDP is known for and appreciated Governors of both Abia and Ákwá Ibom States for delivering democracy dividends to the people. 

Speaking, the immediate past Commissioner for Works, Elder Bob Ogu said the economic importance of the road is enormous, assuring that the road would last and urged people to protect it. 

Earlier, the Executive Chairman, Isiala Ngwa South, Chief Ikechukwu Anyatonwu, a former Member of the State Assembly and Chairman of Osisioma Ngwa Political Stakeholders Forum, Chief Kingsley Mgbeahuru and Chief Chibuike Onyendilefu, a political stakeholder from Isiala Ngwa South LGA thanked the Governor for the project and expressed their gratitude to the Governor for remembering the long abandoned road.

He said constructing the road has further redefined Governor’s plans of creating alternative link roads within LGAs and across to Akwa Ibom State.

According to them, posterity would remember him for his giant strides in Abia State.