35th anniversary of A’ Ibom State: PDP presidential candidate says the internal wranglings will not disintegrate the party; “Akwa Ibom this time around shall not be forgotten”_ Udom canvass for Atiku

The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has described the internal wranglings within the party as a ‘family’ matter and political disagreement, which is not meant to weaken the party.

He made this observation during the anniversary celebration of Akwa Ibom State, held at the Nest of Champions, the ultra-modern stadium in Uyo on Friday.

He assured the party faithful that the seeming problems would soon give way and the PDP would bounce back and become strong as ever.

“Yes, we must acknowledge that we are having internal family issues, but be rest assured that we are not involved or engaged in the war of attrition. It is a political disagreement and very soon, all of that will be resolved and the PDP will continue to remain strong and strong, and grow until we win the election, by the grace of God, come February 2023”.

Represented by the Governor of Sokoto State, and Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Aminu Tambuwal, the former Vice president congratulated the Akwa Ibom people for marking 35 years of development and capacity building, calling on all to support the Governor to succeed.

He appreciated the progress of the state under the impactful leadership of Governor Udom Emmanuel adding that in the past 35 years, the state has witnessed unprecedented socio-economic growth in all sectors, lauding the developmental strides of Governor Udom Emmanuel, through the people-oriented projects to set the pace for others to emulate Ibom State.

“We are seeing progress, we are seeing development in virtually all the spheres of life under your leadership in Akwa Ibom State.

“The expectations from Akwa Ibom people is continuous support for Governor Emmanuel and the PDP and prayers for the governor to end well, finish strong, and be succeeded by a man that will sustain the pace of development in the state.”

Earlier, the state governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, extolled the successive heads of government and leaders of the state from creation for their contributions to building a strong Akwa Ibom and taking the state through phases of growth.

He expressed hope that the state would be better off with the emergence of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as President in the upcoming election, stressing that, it has been through God’s help to the state over the thirty-five years of its existence.

“Akwa Ibom this time around shall not be forgotten, Akwa Ibom shall not be left behind, Akwa Ibom will be in the forefront of everything in Nigeria. We shall be in the forefront of development.

“As we are contributing immensely to the resources of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom will also be at the forefront”.

In a message of goodwill, former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki, congratulated the governor and Akwa Ibom people on the 35th-anniversary celebrations, describing the governor as a pacesetter whose performance leaves no one in doubt of his passion to develop the state.

The former and last military governor of Akwa Ibom State, Group Capt. John Ebiye (rtd.) stated that Akwa Ibom State has been consistently progressing through successive administrations, particularly commending the crop of leaders the state has had in the present democracy that began in 1999 and the improvements by the present administration under Mr. Udom Emmanuel and expressed hope that the next administration will sustain the trend.

Other dignitaries that graced the state anniversary included Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintri, former governor of Kwara State and President of the 8th Senate, Mr. Bukola Saraki, former governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, former governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, former governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Susuam, former governor of Gombe State, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, former military governors of Akwa Ibom State and several other dignitaries.