Ahead of the planned nationwide protest, Governor UMO ENO has urged  youths and residents of the State to maintain peace to enable the State achieve its economic development plans as contained in the ARISE Agenda.

Addressing a cross section of critical stakeholders drawn from youth groups, Students, Market Association, NLC and TUC, Civil Society Organizations, and others in Uyo, the Governor acknowledged that it is a constitutional right of citizens to assemble and peacefully protest certain acts of government, but appealed that the State will benefit more in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

He noted that the State under his leadership has made committed effort to improve the welfare of Akwa Ibom people through various interventions especially in the areas of government – labour relations, humanitarian initiatives, youth empowerment schemes, palliative, among others, stressing that the State’s status as one of the most peaceful has attracted tourists and investors.

The Governor further enumerated other achievements to include; donation of 36 fully-furnished two-bedroom bungalows and business support grant of 500,000 Naira to each of the beneficiaries.

While enumerating many other strides of the State government, the State Chief Executive appealed to the youths and all Akwa Ibomites to join hands with government to further on its development initiative for the good of all.

In their separate remarks, the youth groups, students, market association and organised labour commended the Governor for his commitment to the people’s welfare and development of the State, assuring that they were not part of the organizers of the planned protest and will not take part in it.

Similarly, Mr. HARRY UDOH who represented the CSOs commended the governor’s efforts at impacting every sector of the society through palliative, bursary, skill training and empowerment, prompt payment of salaries, and other entitlements to workers, and appealed for fairness and judicious distribution of palliative.

Also speaking, the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President-General of the Akwa Ibom Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, Dr. Ntenyin SOLOMON ETUK acknowledged that the Governor has been very intentional in his development efforts, adding that the protest was not necessary in Akwa Ibom and urged everyone to continue to support him for more dividends of democracy.

On his part, the State commissioner of Police, CP WAHEED AYILARA said the police and other sister agencies were ready to provide the necessary protection to all including those who wish to protest, while reeling off conditions they must meet to do so.  He urged everyone to go about their legitimate businesses and to remain peaceful and law-abiding.