AKWA IBOMITES SNUB NATIONWIDE PROTESTS, INSIST ON PEACE
Akwa Ibom people have reaffirmed their belief in the Governor Umo Eno led administration, insisting that they will continue to support his ARISE Agenda economic blueprint for the State.
A cross -section of residents told our reporters that instead of joining in the nationwide protest, they felt inclined to heeding the appeal of the Governor for peace and sustainable development.
Although few shops and business premises within the State capital were not opened, other law abiding residents were seen going about their regular activities while the streets were not as busy as other days, but overall, there was peace and tranquility all over the state.
“The Governor has already spoken with the youths and he is addressing their grievances and we believe there is no need for a protest”, Samuel Ibanga James, a phone repairer at the popular Ibom Plaza in Uyo said to reporters.
Governor Eno, had on Wednesday completed the sharing of 48,000 bags of rice and 4,800 bags of garri to 2,282 villages in the State, with each village getting 20years of rice and two bags of garri.
This gesture was also extended to the communities of non indigenes, the security agents and civil society organizations.
Governor Eno on Tuesday had met with leadership drawn from youth groups, Students, Market Associations, labour movement, Civil Society Organizations, traditional fathers and had appealed to all concerned that the State will benefit more in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
“Let me also emphasize that we are a peaceful State and we have maintained this hard-won peace, over the years.
“We have paid over N22 billion gratuities to the retired Primary School, Local Government and State Civil Service retirees and N50 thousand stipend to the elderly in our ARISE Elderly Care Initiative.
“Our free voucher programme through our Bulk Purchase Agency has so far touched 314, 422 families in the state, the social transfers to the aged, physically challenged, chronically ill, widows has equally impacted and touched over two hundred thousand beneficiaries drawn from the revised Social Register.
“We have also paid wage award for three months to cushion the effect of the high cost of living arising from the removal of fuel subsidy.
“We paid the 13 month salary tagged ’Enomber’ last December and about a month ago, had paid 1.1 billion Naira as bonus to all public service workers to mark the ‘Public Service Week.”, the Governor had said.
The strong presence of the police and other security agents at strategic places was observed across the State. The state is peaceful and the youths have hearkened to the appeal of the Governor not to participate in the planned protest
