The former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, has revealed what he regrets most during his tenure as the number one citizen of the state.
Udom made the revelation during a Special Thanksgiving/Welcome Service by the United Evangelical Church, Lagos Township Superintendency on Sunday.
The Special Thanksgiving/Welcome Service was organised to honour the former governor, Udom Emmanuel and his Wife, Mrs Martha Emmanuel.
This was according to a statement from the Press Unit of the Government House, Uyo, and made available to our correspondent on Monday.
In the statement, the ex-governor said he went to work as governor with a blueprint, and despite all his accomplishments, his only regret is that he did not have control over policies.
"The only regret I have is that I did not control policies. If I had control over policies as a state, trust me, we would have been miles ahead as a state. But today, I still thank God that we went with our blueprint and God helped us", the ex-governor said.
Speaking further, he recalled his narrow escape in the 2016 Reigners Bible Church building collapse, saying it's only God that can explain his escape.
The PUNCH reports that the Reigners Bible Church building collapsed on December 10th, 2016 killing scores of worshippers and maiming others during the ordination of the Presiding Pastor, Akan Weeks.
While recalling the tragic incident, Udom noted that the church beam fell and shattered the white seat where he sat. However, he came out alive, adding that his escape is still a mystery to date.
"My narrow escape in the December 10, 2016 building collapse remains a mystery only God can explain. The place where I was sitting the central beam from the ceiling shattered the white seat where I was sitting, I don't know but I came out alive without even a scratch.
"Most importantly, we want to thank God that we went into the Government House complete, we left complete, not one of us is missing. Throughout my ten years, because I was SSG before I became governor, one of the things I cherished is that throughout that period, God did not stop speaking to me", he said.
Noting that there are spiritual forces against a governor, he however re-affirmed that he never compromised his faith in the supreme power of God who saw him through his administration.
He also appreciated God for the success of the governorship election in the state, saying, "It came to the period of succession plan when the direction of God came, It was tough but all of you stood by us and today I feel fulfilled about God's plan in the person of Pastor Uno Eno and that has turned out very well."
"On Friday, when we were at Mirabel in Canada to receive the first of the ten new Airbus Series of Ibom Air with the MD, Captain Mfon Udom, we almost shed tears because even the Airbus people turned around and said, in their generation of Air Bus management, that was the first time Nigeria's Flag was flying in the Airbus Factory and that was not done by the Federal Government but a subnational."
The former Governor also revealed the secret behind the unique logo of the State-owned airline, "other people paid billions for the logo, but Captain Mfon Udom's daughter designed the Ibom Air Logo free of charge for us.
He recounted the build-up to the 2019 elections where threats of violence and blackmail rented the air and maintained that God saw him through the elections unscathed.
"In 2018, I heard all kinds of sayings in the build-up to my second term election. Some people said that people would be on the bed while the election was going on. Some said by the time we get to the election, it will be only me and my wife left in Government House. I told them there is a God of the multitude, it's impossible. They called all kinds of mights but the Almighty answered."
"I want to thank every stakeholder, I had tremendous support. No matter the noise at the end of the day, every single person voted for who they wanted. I want to use this period to say thank you.
In his remarks, Governor Umo Eno commended Udom Emmanuel and his Wife Dr Martha Emmanuel, describing them as a gift from God to the Akwa Ibom people.
He added that whether people say it openly or not, the indelible imprints the former Governor left behind are well appreciated.
"You are gifts that God sent to Akwa Ibom and we thank God for that. Whether people say so or not, we appreciate you. Akwa Ibomites appreciate your work and that of your wife.
"Every week, we have people coming to Akwa Ibom for conferences. Akwa Ibom is now a destination of choice because of the work that you and your wife did.
"I did not create all those new big roads, it was you that modelled and designed all of these things; Ibom Air and all of the beautiful things we have were your creation.
"I'd like to tell you that we are grateful. On behalf of the Akwa Ibom people, I stand to convey these warm wishes, greetings and celebration of Akwa Ibomites to you and your dear wife.
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