Date Published: 11/16/09

Gov. Akpabio, Fashola rated high in terms of devt. strides

Godswill Akpabio

Governor Godswill O. Akpabio and his Lagos counterpart, Babatunde Fashola are said to be the only two governors in the Country to beat in terms of development strides and other achievements.

Alhaji Musiliu A. Smith, a one-time Inspector-General of Police made the remark on Sunday during a thanksgiving service and civic reception for, Udom Udo EkpoUdom held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Uruk Ata Ikot Ebo in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom to mark his elevation to the rank of a Deputy Inspector- General of Police.

Smith who extolled the performances of the duo observed “I have traversed the length and breath of this Country and I can say frankly that Governor Akpabio and my brother in Lagos State have performed creditably”.

He, however, described DIG Ekpoudom as an industrious and humane person and thanked God for allowing him to be promoted despite frivolous petitions by some disgruntled officers in the force.

The retired IGP urged Ekpoudom to work harder for the growth of the force and the Country as a whole, expressing the belief that one day God would see him through as an Inspector General of Police.

Also speaking, Mike Okiro, immediate past Inspector-General of Police, who described Ekpoudom as a hardworking and upright person congratulated him on his elevation to the position.

The Inspector-General of Police, Ogbonna Onovo who was represented by his wife, Mrs. Mary Onovo, felicitated Ekpoudom on his elevation, attributed his promotion to hard wok and commitment to duty worthy of emulation by all, advising him to use the exalted position for the benefit of humanity.

Governor Akpabio lauded IGP Smith for mentoring Ekpoudom and Okiro to reach their present positions in the force, saying “Don’t climb a ladder and kick it away so that others won’t have the opportunity of climbing the ladder”.

Babatunde Fashola

Akpabio particularly commended IGP Okiro for visiting the state more than any other IGP and for touching the lives of Akwa Ibom people especially recommendation of the promotion of DIG Ekpoudom and approval of Police Secondary School in the state.

He congratulated Ekpoudom on his elevation to the rank, noting that “Your promotion to that rank is the beginning. I want you to expect great things”.

The Governor pledged to construct Eka Nto Obo- Uruk Ata Ikot Ebo Road and to provide electricity supply to Uruk Ata Ikot Ebo village before January 2010 as a mark of his appreciation to Ekpoudom’s elevation.

Chief Akpabio stressed the need for people to always thank God, pointing out “It is important to thank God. Man’s purpose on earth is to praise Him. Let’s thank God for the gift of life and that of children. Anybody who feels satisfied in life and forgets to thank God, He will also forget the person”.

He charged political office holders in the state to extend empowerment scheme to members of their respective communities as legacy that should stand the test of time and urged local government chairmen to leave worthy legacies in their domains.

Earlier, DIG Ekpoudom thanked God for his elevation and for the promotion of his wife, Dorothy as a Director in the Federal Civil Service.

While appreciating the governor for the visit and for the construction of Afaha Obong- Etim Ekpo- Iwukem Road, he appealed to the people assist him in building a house for the Rev. Fr. in-charge of the church.