Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo has claimed President Bola Tinubu has a special place in his heart for Akwa Ibom State.
Ekpo made the statement while speaking to a cross section of women, youths, and community leaders in his hometown of Ikot Udom in Ika local government area.
He said: “President Tinubu is a tested and trusted hand. He is an experienced politician and public administrator who knows where he is taking us. Be it petrol subsidy removal or the tax reform bill, let’s give him the benefit of the doubt at all times.”
He assured the President was doing the right thing in trying to cut wastes and encourage productivity in the gas sector by removing the controversial petrol subsidy.
Ekpo, on another occasion where he played host to party leaders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Akwa Ibom Democratic Forum (ADF) at Abak, said that President Tinubu has demonstrated good faith by entrusting key and sensitive positions in his government in the hands of Akwa Ibom sons and daughters, and called on the people of the State to reciprocate the kind gesture.
He told the large gathering pointedly that the historic agreement signed between the BFI Group and China National Chemical Engineering Corporation (CNCEC) to restart operations at the dormant multi-billion dollar Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) in Ikot Abasi was further proof.
“It is obvious that Mr. President has a special place in his heart for us. We’re a God-fearing people. And we are known to be dependable. Let’s stand by Mr. President now and always,” he appealed.
Corroborating the Minister, an observer at the event, NSJ King asserted: “In the annals of our national affairs, our people are always natural allies whenever trust is needed.
“During the Nigerian civil war, it was an Akwa Ibom son, the late S. J. King that was trusted with the sensitive office of Principal Private Secretary to the then Head of State and Commander in Chief, General Yakubu Gowon. And when he left for other duties, instructively, it was another Akwa Ibom person that took up the responsibility.”
