The Executive Chairman, Etim Ekpo Local Government Council, Rt. Hon. Imeh Paul Afia, has lauded what he called “pragmatic and people-oriented leadership” of the State governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, for rising up to the occasion of the adverse effects of the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government, on all Akwa Ibomites.
The Council boss, who reacted to the cheering news yesterday in Etim Ekpo, said, it was highly commendable that in the face of the harsh economic realities, Governor Eno, has demonstrated care and empathy by inaugurating a committee that will supervise the rolling out of palliatives to mitigate the untold hardship being faced by the people.
His words: “Just when Akwa Ibomites felt that their suffering was endless, our amiable Governor brought succour. This, he did by setting up a committee for the distributions of the relief items to all citizens.
“However, when he gave clear instructions to the committee chaired by his loyal SSG, Prince Enobong Uwah, what impressed me so much was the governor’s statement that, he is ready to do all he can to ensure his government cushions the effect of the harsh economy that is caused by the fuel subsidy removal,” he noted.
Responding to a reporter’s question on the palliatives the Council boss rolled out for Etim Ekpo Students in Tertiary Institutions, where each of them received the sum of N5000 paid into their bank accounts, Imeh Afia, hinted that he was inspired by the Governor’s leadership style of altruism and selflessness.
“Apart from ameliorating the sufferings of the beneficiaries, the palliatives we started for Etim Ekpo students is a way of making the burden less cumbersome for the governor.
“I think as a Council Chairman who took the oath of office to serve my people effectively, with the available resources, I should be looking out for every opportunity to proffer solutions to present challenges that our people are facing because the Local Government is more connected to the people at the grassroots than any tier of government,” he noted
The Etim Ekpo Chairman, who said he wants to be remembered for maintaining absolute peace and securing the lives and property of his people, specifically eulogized his political leader and mentor, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem, for his guidance and massive support, stressing that the former National Legal Adviser of the PDP is a rare leader that will still be celebrated beyond a century for the innumerable good things he has done for humanity.
Rt. Hon. Imeh Afia, who listed a good number of achievements of his administration in the areas of Security, Education, Agriculture, Empowerment for youths, widows and elders, Rural Development, cordial working relationship with the Legislative Arm among several others, however, pledged his people’s continuous loyalty and support to the ARISE Agenda of Governor Umo Eno, at all times.
