Eket Local Government Area and The Dividend of Peace under Akan Tommey

Eket Local Government Area and The Dividend of Peace under Akan Tommey

Joe Etukudo

Today in Eket Local government Area, it is obvious there are less of disruptions often experienced in conflict, misunderstanding and unnecessary rivalry, rather peace has become the order of the day. The truth is evident, Rt. Hon. Akaninyene Tommey, the Executive Chairman Eket Local Government Council, has not only consolidated democratic governance but has unleased and enthroned visible dividends of peace, unity and progress to the people of Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

From the onset of his renewed leadership, the expectations of the citizens were high. They longed for tranquility, stability and enabling environment to pursue their daily dreams of happiness and peaceful economic living. Today, their hopes have been realized and sustained. In fact, the people are living testimonies to the idea that peace remains the real foundation for growth and sustainable development in all communities.

From the Three Geopolitical Zones of Eket Local Government Area, the serene villages of Ikot Ukudom, Nduo Eduo, Ikot Ataku, Ikot Ikpe, Ikot Oso, Ikot Nsidibe, Ikot Abia, Esit Urua, Afaha Atai, Iko Ikwa, Ukwa, Atabong, Afaha Eket, Usung Inyang and Ntaisip to the bustling communities of Afia Nsit, Ikot Udoma, Odoroenen, Ikot Ibiok, Efoi, Ikot Uso Ekong, Idung Udo, Idung Imo, Ofriyo, Idua and all the rest, the story is the same: peace and progress reigns all through the recognized zones.

It is this calm atmosphere, created and fostered by the humane and purposeful leadership of Akan Tommey, that has enabled the local government authorities to embark on developmental projects that endear themselves to the hearts of women, men and youths in the spirit of ARISE Agenda.

Markets, Roads, Clinics are being developed with speed and precision, Bridges and Culverts are springing up, and the contractors are happy, in carrying out their works without fear of any molestation and disruption. For once, development has been allowed to flow freely, undisturbed by the clogs of insecurity or hostility of our youths.

The positive impact is not only on infrastructures but cultural and social relationships are encouraged and maintained. Traditional rulers are satisfied because the sanctity of their thrones has been preserved through peaceful and transparent engagement by the local government administration of Akan Tommey. Families now sleep soundly at night without the fear of disturbances. Business owners open their shops and offices with confidence, knowing that customers will patronize them without fear of harassment by touts and area boys. Farmers journey to their farmlands and return safely with produces that sustains households and the local economy.

Motor parks, Markets and Cyclist Unions are effectively and proficiently managed by the various committees constituted by local government authority under Akan Tommey administrations with human face. At the level of the local markets, a trader, Mrs. Shelly Ikpe confirms that, they are very pleased with the organized ways the administration handles all matters concerning the markets and the traders of different goods.

Eket under Akan Tommey’s leadership has also provided a conducive platform for the Health Sector to thrive. Health Workers now attend to patients without anxieties of conflict spilling into their facilities. Outreach programs in rural communities are conducted seamlessly, and the vulnerable are reached without hindrance.

Similarly, Environmental Officers regularly and successfully engaged residents on the importance of sanitation, hygiene, and improved living standards. This has resulted in cleaner surroundings, healthier lifestyles and a more vibrant populace. Indeed, peace is not just the absence of war but the dominance presence of harmony, understanding, cooperation and truthful leadership being the hallmark of the Executive Chairman, Eket Local Government Council.

Hon. Akan Tommey has demonstrated that leadership anchored on honesty, dialogue, inclusiveness, and fairness engenders the enabling climate for peace and progress. This is, as it is in the ARISE Agenda” – an agenda that resonates with the vision of the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno and finds its real meaning at the grassroots where the people feel and appreciate it most.

No society develops in an atmosphere of chaos. No community thrives when dishonesty and disunity reigns. What Eket Local Government Area is experiencing today is a model that should be studied and replicated across Akwa Ibom State and uphold it, as progress becomes inevitable.

In truth, therefore, the people of Eket have no regrets but rejoices for electing a young, vibrant and dedicated leader who understands their yearnings and has translated them into enviable reality. Their gratitude is visible in their daily lives – in the flourishing markets, the expanding businesses, the renewed zeal of the women and youths and the smiles on the faces of the elders, who now witness and exudes progressive stability in their twilight years.

As expressed by a royal father, His Royal Highness Obong Enim Ekanem, the present chairman of Eket local government area is God sent with echoes of peace and progress that shower on the people across groups and many communities. Obong Ekanem, who is the clan Head of Eket Afaha Clan, said that the traditional institution in Eket local government area is impressed by the development projects embarked to completion by the Akan Tommey leadership in various communities.

Apart from the traditional rulers, the workers in Eket local government area through the NULGE Chairman, Comr. Godwin Uwem said that the styles of leadership infused in governance by Akan Tommey has integrated the interest of the entire workforce with regular payment of entitlements, thus, expressing the joy and satisfaction of the workers of Eket local government council.

As the journey of Akaninyene Tommey administration continues, it is imperative that the people remain steadfast with their support, for peace must be nurtured and sustained. With peace, there will be more schools, more hospitals, more markets, more empowerment programs and more reasons to believe and hope for a brighter and better tomorrow. The Akan Tommey administration has laid the foundation; the people must continue to consolidate it with gratitude, unity, and cooperation.

Finally, the story of Eket Local Government today under Akan Tommey leadership, is not just the story of a place but of a principle – that peace is the bedrock of development. And as long as peace thrives in the Oil City of Eket will continue to shine as a beacon of progress in Akwa Ibom State and a worthy example to other Councils in the Niger Delta Region.