Foremost economist and immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, stated this at the weekend, while delivering a keynote address at the 8th London Political Summit and Awards at the House of Parliament, Westminster Palace.
Delivering the address as Guest Speaker on the theme, ‘How people, politics and power can sustain peace,’ Udom said: “Peace flourishes when the people are empowered.
“The welfare, participation or inclusion of all citizens, whatever tribe, gender or religious affiliation, as in the Akwa Ibom State story, are crucial in sustaining peace.”
Narrating the Akwa Ibom story under his watch between May 29, 2015 and May 29, 2023, Udom recounted: “In May, 2015, I was sworn in as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State in Nigeria. At the time, insecurity was the order of the day.
“Militants were the underground leaders. People moved in fear. Night life was non-existent. It was tough but just like President Barack Obama stated, I believed that though hard, peace was possible.
“We started with dialogues, face to face dialogues with militants, with the students and youth, with women and professionals, from the grassroots to the top, to the Akwa Ibomites in the diaspora all over the world.
“It took some time, but everyone was included, and all felt included.
The ex-governor told the forum that he also went into dialogue with indigenes in the diaspora, and went on to appoint one of their past presidents as a member of his executive council, thereby ending the perpetual distrust they had about their home state government.
The ex-governor added: “We all took ownership of the state and the resources of the state. Resources were now being equitably distributed. Education and affordable healthcare became a priority.
“Peace won! From then until now, Akwa Ibom is considered one of the safest states in Nigeria. The Akwa Ibom story is one of success. Politics of a state with the power conferred on it and the inclusion of the people fostered and achieved sustainable peace.”
