The immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom state, Mr Udom Emmanuel, has advocated priority on the welfare of the citizenry, political inclusion and equitable distribution of resources as major ways to sustain peace in any society, including Akwa Ibom state.
Udom Emmanuel gave this declaration over the weekend while delivering a keynote address at the 8th London political summit and awards at the House of Parliament, Westminster Palace,United Kingdom.
Delivering the address as guest speaker on the theme, “How people, politics and power can sustain peace”, Mr Emmanuel said, “Peace flourishes when the people are empowered.
“The welfare and participation or inclusion of all citizens, whatever tribe, gender or religious affiliation, as in the Akwa Ibom State story, are crucial in sustaining peace.”
Narrating the Akwa Ibom story under his watch between May 29, 2015 and May 29, 2023, Emmanuel recounted that, “In May, 2015, I was sworn in as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria. At the time, insecurity was the order of the day.
“Militants were the underground leaders. People moved in fear. Night life was non-existent. It was tough but just like President Obama stated, I believed that though hard, peace was possible.
“We started with dialogues, face to face dialogues with the militants, with the students and youth, with the women and professionals, from the grassroots to the top, to the Akwa Ibomites in Diaspora all over the world.
“It took some time, but everyone was included – everyone felt included as well.
The former governor told the forum that he also went into dialogue with indigenes in the Diaspora, and went on to appoint one of their past presidents as a member of his executive council, thereby ending the perpetual distrust they had about their home state government.
“We all took ownership of the state and the resources of the state. Resources were now being equitably distributed. Education and good affordable healthcare became a priority.
“Peace won! From then until now, Akwa Ibom State is considered one of the safest in Nigeria. The Akwa Ibom State story is one of success. Politics of a state with the power conferred on it and the inclusion of the people fostered and achieved sustainable peace.”
The former governor maintained that, “while the severity and duration of these conflicts differ, they significantly impact populations (even beyond the immediate theatre) with devastating physical and humanitarian consequences.”
Among dignitaries at the event was the current governor of Akwa Ibom state, Pastor Umo Eno, who used the occasion to speak on his Arise Agenda blueprint and the enormous potentials that abound for
