Government Pledges Support For Akwa Ibom Airport

                                      Government Pledges Support For Akwa Ibom Airport

OVERZEALOUS security agents, yesterday, barred journalists and members of opposition parties when President Jonathan performed the foundation laying ceremony of the Akwa Ibom Stadium Complex and commissioned the new Government House.
The height of the embarrassment to both national and local journalists was at the gate to the state banquet hall, where the head of the presidential security team ordered his boys to push journalists out of the way.
Explanations by leadership of all NUJ chapels, including that of the NUJ chairman, Mr. Joe Effiong, fell on deaf ears, as the security officer repeatedly ordered his boys to chase reporters away.
“This is not the governor’s event; it is a presidential visit. And so, we cannot allow all of you in, even if you are national or local journalists,” he said.
When all entreaties failed, the NUJ chairman asked his members to leave before the security men opened fire.
Meanwhile, the federal government has pledged readiness to collaborate with Akwa Ibom State Government in turning Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul (MRO) facilities of Akwa Ibom International Airport to a national hanger.
President Jonathan made the pledge yesterday during an official reception in his honour at Government House, shortly after inaugurating the ultra-modern Governor’s Office and performing the groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed stadium.
The President said: “The federal government has decided to collaborate with the Akwa Ibom State Government in turning Maintenance, Repairs and Overhaul (MRO) facilities of Akwa Ibom International Airport to a national hanger.
“We would continue to partner with the state and other states to bring more development to the country,” he said.
Jonathan congratulated Governor Akpabio on speedy transformation of the state, saying it is proof of good leadership.