By Idongesit Ashameri – Uyo
The people of Ikono and Ini Federal constituency have tendered an apology to Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State over repeated insult from their son, Senator Aloysius Etok.
Tendering the apology on behalf of the people during the ongoing state-wide town hall meeting in Ikono/ Ini Federal Constituency, , Chief Otu Robert, a political stalwart from the area practically went on knees to solicit Akpabio’s forgiveness on Etok.
Although admitting that Etok has heaped unimaginable insult on the governor at every opportunity, Robert appealed to Akpabio whom he considers a leader with God’s spirit to put behind the insult and embrace the senator again as his own.
He regretted that Etok’s behavour lately has been a course of concern to the people of Ikono / Ini but however pledged the people’s support to the administration of Governor Godswill Akpabio.
In his remarks, Edidem Nyong Udobob, the monarch of Ikono, commended Akpabio whom he described as a chip of the old block who has followed the good steps of his fathers by making his tenure in office worth-while by directly touching the people’s areas of needs. He however drew the state government attention to more infrastructural needs in the areas of roads and electricity.
He reiterated the people’s support for the governor’s position that power be shifted to Eket Senatorial District, but held brief for Sen Aloysius Etok’s inability to attend the long advertised town hall meeting in his area due to ill-health.
In his response, Akpabio accepted the people’s apologies on behalf of Etok and stressed that as a man of God, he is under obligation to extend forgiveness to others irrespective of the depth of abuse.
Akpabio, who stressed that the essence of the town hall meeting was to create interface between government and the communities, encouraged the people of Ikono / Ini federal constituency to freely express themselves on areas they may be dissatisfied as the government is willing and ready to address every urgent gray area needing development within the remaining one year of the present administration.