• As Akpabio, Eno, others preach peace, unity

The Akwa Ibom State government is seeking private investors to help establish refilling depots for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses.

This initiative aims to reduce transportation costs for residents.

Governor Umo Eno announced, during a broadcast commemorating the state’s 37th anniversary, that operating CNG buses without refilling depots would be counterproductive.

“We are looking for partners to provide refilling depots for our CNG buses. Once we secure this, we will launch the programme. Buying CNG buses without the necessary infrastructure defeats the purpose of this initiative,” he stated.

Eno also warned fuel station owners against selling petrol above government-approved prices, announcing plans to establish a task force to address this issue.

MEANWHILE, at a thanksgiving service with the theme: ‘Peace Within Thy Walls and Prosperity Within Thy Palaces,’ to mark the 37th anniversary of the state’s creation and Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary at the International Worship Centre, Uyo, Eno described Akwa Ibom State as a model state in Nigeria.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to institutionalising peace, unifying the various interests in the state to ensure optimum benefit for the citizenry.

Also, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, represented by his wife, Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, conveyed the felicitation of President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to the government and people of Akwa Ibom State on the 37th anniversary, praying for continuous peace, unity and prosperity of the state.

On his part, former governor of the state, Architect Victor Attah, also expressed delight at how fast and far the state has grown from creation, commending the governor for his efforts at uniting the state.

The Minister of States for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, equally expressed gratitude for the peace and unity instituted in Akwa Ibom, describing Eno as the best thing that has happened to the state.