Two new Commissioners in Akwa Ibom have been sworn in with a charge on them to shun politics, ethnicity and tribe in the discharge of their duties.
Akpabio, who gave the charge Friday after the swearing-in ceremony of the commissioners, stated “We are immuned to politics, ethnicity and tribe in the discharge of our functions. We, therefore, urge you to expand your perspective to embrace our State as a whole and see yourself beyond the narrow confines of your community and the restrictive armpits of your politics. You do not represent your Local Government in this cabinet; you represent the entire State.
According to him, “We are a transformational government based on values. We strive to let every segment of our society feel the impact of our transformational leadership.
“The essence of your appointment, and the attendant high expectations of the good People of this State, should not be lost on you. In the course of life, many are called but few are chosen. Your choice is an indication that you have been found worthy in character, comportment and learning to carry the burdens of our State. Commit yourselves, therefore, to serving the good people of our State ? not your families or communities. Let the fear of God and the passion for the common good take precedence over your personal interests”, he posited.
The Governor elaborated “Your appointment to this high office of public trust is designed to reinvigorate and strengthen service delivery to our people. In the last seven years, we have remoulded Akwa Ibom State and given a new lease of life to the Akwa Ibom promise. We are at a critical point in our journey as a State as we begin a race to concretize our legacies and prepare for the handing over of the baton to a new administration next year.
“Already, like it has always happened in the course of man?s life on earth, the stage has been set for the battle of Good versus Evil. The war is on for the soul of this state even as the election beckons. You must join us to defend this state from those who want to seize its soul, destroy our values and pauperize our posterity. You must join us to defend all the good people of this state. You must join us to ensure that eternal promise which defines our State as the Land of Promise.
“You may have joined this race late, but the demand of history is that you will be defined by how you ended the race, not by when you joined the race. In the African Cup of Nations in Tunisia, Peter Odemwinge was introduced with ten minutes to the end of the game but he registered two goals in quick succession (in the 81st and 83rd minutes) and has been remembered by that feat ever since. I urge you to borrow from that example and register feats, which would cement your names in gold in the annals of our history”, Akpabio emjoined.
He charged the Permanent Secretaries and the civil servants to extend the same co-operation and support to the Government, noting “On your part we expect you to provide the kind of leadership in your ministry, which would motivate your staff and lead to their peak performance”.
The Governor commended the Speaker of the House of Assembly and honourable members for their cooperation and support in rising up to the urgency involved in the clearance of these ones, saying “The cordial relationship which exists between this two arms of the Government and the Judiciary is a treasure in our State and should remain a template for incoming administrations”.
The Commissioners are Rt. Hon. Ignatius Edet from Ibiono Ibom and Ante Okwong from Urue Offong/Oruko Local Government Areas.
