Cross River, Akwa Ibom chart a New Course

In order to create a solid base within the South-South geo political zone as well as intensify the relationship between the two sister states, Cross River and Akwa Ibom States have charted a new course which will make them a block to reckon with.

This was made known at a dinner which the Cross River State government had in honour of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong God'swill Akpabio on Thursday in Calabar which was seen as a turning point in terms of brotherhood and friendship aimed at making them stronger economically and socially.

Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State, who in his remarks referred to Akpabio as his colleague, brother, friend and “a man of destiny”, said the two states were celebrating a partnership made in heaven and that it was wonderful to find the kind of cordiality between the two of them as Cross River will be one of the greatest beneficiaries of the Akwa Ibom Airport because of the traffic which Tinapa Business Resort and other projects will attract to the State.

Imoke disclosed that the two states are collectively working on a road project that will link the Akwa Ibom Airport to Tinapa as a synergy in riverine route between the duo to boost the potentials of the Meridian Hotel at Uruan in Akwa Ibom, while thanking the state for sending a strong cultural team to participate in the 2007 Cross River Christmas Festival.

The Governor unveiled the duo’s intention to have shared projects which will include the forth coming KORA Award and Miss Malaika Beauty Pageant, stating that the partnership will not only strengthen development but lead to economic growth which benefit will turn around the fortune of indigenes of the two states.

He said there could be no more apt name than “God’swill” and that he is not only a “digital Governor” but a great “visionary” and patriotic son of Akwa Ibom, who is determined to serve his people and is passionate about that, adding that he has exhibited zeal, dedication, energy with political prowess and he is now the new hope for the people of Akwa Ibom.

According to Imoke, Akpabio will make his mark in four years which posterity will acknowledge with Kudos while thanking him for choosing Calabar for the first retreat outside Akwa Ibom.

Responding, Akpabio said in 2007, 20 years after the creation of Akwa Ibom from Cross River, both of them had discussed ways of bringing peace and harmony to the two states because without peace there is no development, adding that the people of Akwa Ibom have been looking for a reunification and that they still see Calabar as the State Capital.

Akpabio promised to utilize the opportunity to use as a point of contact for the development of the two states, assuring that he is determined to change the lives of his people for the better while appreciating Cross River and the special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa.

He disclosed his intention to promote investment and cooperation between the duo as both would go into the construction of a rail line linking them, airline, joint ownership of a five star hotel, co-host Kora and Miss Malaika Beauty pageant, adding that Tinapa Business Resort has to be supported as the Akwa Ibom Airport which will be meant for cargo will be of great use to the business resort in terms of business flow within the hub in West and Central Africa.

The Governor said arrangements have reached advance stage to have a yacht ride between Meridian Hotel at Uruan and Tinapa Resort as a joint tourism promotion package between the two neighbour states, stressing that in his effort to wage war against decay and need for the states to cooperate, there is no sense in fighting anymore because they remain a destination for others.

Proposing a toast for Akwa Ibom State, the Managing Director of The Mirage Hotel, Calabar Chief Edem Duke referred to the occasion as what had taken a better part of a decade, thanking the two governors for sitting together and assured that the future will make the two states unique.

Duke commended Akpabio for breaking the bonds of limitation which is a signal that it was time to take control of what nature has blessed, adding that he has taken development beyond the belief of the people of Akwa Ibom because of his hope in the Land of Promise.

The Secretary to Akwa Ibom State Government, Obong Umana OkonUmana in a toast to Cross River State, referred to Calabar as the hospitality capital of the world and the cleanest city in Nigeria, adding that Cross River earns the credit of all the good things done in Akwa Ibom.

A onetime governor of old Kano State, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi while proposing a toast to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, opined that creation of States does not mean to divide but to promote peace and development, generate employment opportunities, education, business enhancement, describing President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua as a dynamic man who transformed the face and value of Katsina State when he was the governor.

Rimi declared Nigeria as the luckiest country on earth with all kinds of mineral resources and that though previous administrations had taken undue advantage of such endowments, Nigerians should unite, adding that Cross River and Akwa Ibom are brothers with the same history and he was happy both are working together.

Government House Press