Governor Udom cautions politicians against heating up the polity

Group chides Ebonyi govt’s policies, lull in C’River on democracy day
Akwa Ibom State governor, Udom Emmanuel, has charged the people of the state not to allow political differences divide them but should know that before politics, they lived together as brothers and sisters.

He, therefore, appealed to the political class to guide against utterances capable of heating up the polity, thereby leading to disunity among the people of the state and beyond.

He made the plea during a broadcast to mark his third year in office and 19th anniversary of democracy in the country.

Udom, however, reassured the people of the state of his commitment and determination to make good his promises when he assumed office in 2015,

He stressed that he has not derailed from his five-point agenda and would continue to impact the people’s lives, as such was government’s sole responsibility.

In a related development, the Ebonyi Advocacy for Transparency Initiative (EATI) has accused the state government of massive corruption and negligence to the welfare of workers.

The group, in a media briefing to mark this year’s democracy day, challenged Governor David Umahi to a public debate on his administration’s policies and programmes.

In a statement by its Coordinator, Jude Okpor, the group said the government violated the laws of Nigeria by its amendment of the State’s Direct Labour law, which empowered it to execute projects worth more than N1.5 billion.

Meanwhile, this year’s democracy day celebration in Cross River was marred by poor turnout.

Governor Ben Ayade was visibly disappointed over the poor turnout at the Millennium Park in Calabar, venue of the celebration.

He had allegedly released huge amount of money to the Ministry of Information, which was charged with the responsibility of mobilising people for the event.

The Guardian learnt that Ayade, who did not give the normal democracy day broadcast, was so upset that he refused to address a handful of government officials who were present, as he only cut the cake and left the venue.