Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has warned the people of the state against hiding under the cloak of party affiliations and pecuniary interests to fight against the development of the state.

Emmanuel, who spoke at the Onna township stadium during the funeral of the late paramount ruler of Onna and Oku Ibom Ibibio 111, Akwa Edidem Akpabio Udo Ukpa, called on all Akwa Ibom indigenes to unite and pursue the overall interest of the state.

He lamented that some people sponsor attacks and vandalise projects in the state in order to score cheap political points.

While decrying the vandalism at the state’s coconut plantation and refinery project site, among other similar incidents, he urged the people to hearken to the sermon delivered at the occasion by fighting just causes in order to leave behind positive legacies for the unborn generations.

He described the death of the monarch as a loss to the state, saying “the late Oku Ibom Ibibio 111 was destined to guide, direct and illuminate the path for thousands of people to find their purpose in life, and he did this with utmost humility and a deep sense of commitment.”

The governor also announced the renaming of the Onna Sports Centre as Akwa Edidem Akpabio Udo Ukpa Sports Stadium, while promising to build a befitting sports centre to immortalise the late pace-setter.

“Sometimes when one person is absent the whole world seems depopulated. Our community, state and the nation are indeed depopulated by the passing of this towering and proud son of Onna, Akwa Ibom,” Udom added.

The Punch