AKHA Commended President Jonathan, Governor Akpabio for people oriented programmes

The Akwa Ibom State’s House of Assembly has commended President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Godswill Akpabio for their contributions and implementation of peoples-oriented programmes since fourteen years of democratic dispensation in Nigeria.


The duty Speaker and member representing Essien Udim State Constituency, Hon. Udo Akpan expressed the need for members to appraise democracy day in the country for the 14 years. He reasoned that if democracy did not exist, the people in the villages would not have responsible leadership and amenities.

Rt. Hon. Ekong Sampson described democracy as good covenant that gives way to good governance, noting that it was time for Nigerians to unite so as to protect and promote democracy.

A member for Eket State Constituency, Hon. Ayan Akanimo Ayan said that Nigeria has gone far as far as to use the period to fight insecurity and tribalism in the country.

In his contribution, Kufreabasi Etuk, member representing Urua State Constituency, defined democracy as a form of government in which all eligible citizens have an equal say in discussions that affect their lives. He urged the grassroots people to give their input before budget is presented.

A member representing Okobo State Constituency, Hon. Efefiong Antigha, pointed out that the joy of democracy was to allow the people to know and choose their leaders before elections so that they would hold them accountable for their policies and their conduct in office.

Hon. Friday Iwok, representing Abak State Constituency, said he was a beneficiary of democracy, noting that democracy is the beauty of the people.

In her contribution, Hon. Ekaette Ebong Okon, deputy leader of the House, and member representing Itu Constituency said Nigeria has gone a long way because of democracy. Noting that gone were the days when women were not allowed to talk but owing to democracy “women’ voices have been heard everywhere in the world”.

Dr. Ebong moved a motion for the house to send a congratulatory letter to the president and the state’s Chief Executive for maintaining democracy the way it supposed to be and was seconded by Hon. Kufreabasi Etuk.

In his reaction, the Speaker, Hon. Sam Ikon, commended the members for acknowledging the importance of freedom and democracy, urging that such democratic practice should be sustained so that the people would continue to benefit.

The speaker directed the clerk, Mrs. Mandu Umoren to formally send felicitation letters to the President and the Governor on the occasion of Democracy Day celebration in Nigeria.

Source: FMI*