It was Senator Godswill Akpabio’s first visit to his home state: Akwa Ibom State after he was elected the President of the Senate. As recalled by the Senator, people last saw him as a Senator-elect but on June 24, he returned to Akwa Ibom State as the President of the 10th Senate and the Number three man in the country.
Akwa Ibom State has produced many great men and women who have shaped the history, economy and politics of Nigeria. They include such great Jurist as Sir Egbert Udo Udoma, an astounding economist, Chief Clement Nyong Isong, the super cop, Mr Etim Okon Inyang, a great educationist, Chief Ibanga Udo Akpabio among many others.
In contemporary times the State has been blessed with such great leaders as Obong Victor Attah, Air Marshal Nsikak Eduok, Atuekong Don Etiebet, Dr Ime Sampson Umanah among others who contributed their quota to the growth and development of the State and Nigeria as a whole.
But none of these great men had risen politically to the position that Senator Akpabio currently occupies. So the excitement of the people during the homecoming of Senator Akpabio knew no bounds.
It turned out to be very prophetic that many years ago the people had gathered in unison to bestow the title of Uko Akwa Ibom (the pride of Akwa Ibom State) on Chief Godswill Akpabio.
The significance of his visit was not lost on Akwa Ibom people as the people led by the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno turned out en masse to behold and welcome their pride, their illustrious son to the State and to wish him well as the Chairman of the National Assembly.
Governor Umo Eno has proven to be a different breed of politician unlike his predecessor, Mr Udom Emmanuel. Despite differences in political affiliation, many were surprised on June 13, the date of the inauguration of Senator Akpabio as the President of the Senate, when he led politicians in the State, including Senator Akpabio’s estranged allies to congratulate him on his election.
