Akwa Ibom state Governor Pastor Umo Bassey Eno has appointed Mr. Emmanuel Ogbole as Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Non-Indigenes’ Affairs and Alhaji Ibrahim Iliya as the Special Assistant, Arewa Community.
The governor announced the appointment on Monday night when he held an Iftar with Muslim community in the State, in Uyo.
The Governor also announced that he will soon appoint Special Assistants for the Yourba, Igbo and Niger Delta communities.
Thereafter, he announced a N200 million interest-free loan to the Arewa Community.
He said the same interest free loan would be extended to the Yoruba Community; the Igbo and the Niger-Delta communities.
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Mr Ekerete Udoh, made this public on Tuesday April 9, 2024 in a Facebook post.
He said the details of loans would be worked out shortly.
He further recalled when he had this same meeting in Eket, and promised that, if by their support he won the elections, that this year’s Iftar, will be done in Government House.
“We thank God that He answered our prayers. It was a massive support.”
“Let me use this opportunity to thank the Arewa Community for your support during the elections,” said the Governor.
Moreso, he explained, if someone did something profoundly significant, it’s always good to reach back and say ‘thank you.
“What we are doing this evening. We hope to go round all the groups; the Yoruba community, the Igbos and Niger Delta to tell them” thank you.”
The governor emphasized the long history of living together, doing business together and trusting each other.
As a result, he appealed to the Muslims to ensure that herders would conduct their business without destroying people’s farms.
Especially, now that the rains are here, and people are going back to the farms, he added.
In the contrary, “We are not saying, don’t do your business, but in business world, we always say:
“You must mind how your business affects my business so we can all live harmoniously in peace and brotherhood as we have always done.”
“We want to grow more staple foods to feed everyone here,” the Governor warned.
“We are a people from diverse origins across Nigeria, all living here peacefully and securely in Akwa Ibom State under your leadership.”
The Chairman of the League of Imams, Akwa Ibom State, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq responded.
He said he knows some states are struggling with cases of insecurity but here, they have enjoyed peace.
“Our gathering here today with you is not the first, second or third.”
“You have graciously been breaking fast with us as a private citizen, community leader and statesman, year in, year out.”
“Therefore, it’s not surprising you extended same invitation for us to join you in Government House for this year’s Iftar.”
“We are proud of your visionary approach to governance, especially as it concerns the rural dwellers.”
“And so, we pray Allah should grant you more wisdom to carry on,” Alhaji Sadiq concluded.
Meanwhile, the Muslim community was led by the leadership of the Akwa Ibom Council of Islamic Affairs (AKCIA).
The Chairman, League of Imams in the State, Imam Abubakar Sadiq, Alhaji Hassan Sadauki (Sarakin Hausawa, Uyo, Alhaji Maruf Olobode Sani, Imam Ibrahim Okesina, and Imam Bello Dahiru.
Others who attended the event include the Deputy Governor Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, the Speaker, State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, the SSG, Prince Enobong Uwah, and Chief Assam Assam, SAN.
The Director General of the Campaign Organization and of Government Business, Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem SAN, the Chairman of the Maintain Peace Movement ( MPM), Engr. Uwem Okoko of Hensek integrated Services, and Elder Aniekan Akpan, the Chairman of the PDP in AKwa Ibom State.
Also, featured, include the Political Adviser to the Governor, Prince ( Dr.) Godwin Ntukude, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Ayilara Waheed Adedamola, the head of NDLEA, Akwa Ibom State Command, and the Dean of Commissioners, Sir Monday Ebong Uko.