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Addressing a
mammoth crowd at a reception organised for him on Friday at Asan Ibibio, near
Uyo, Attah said providing a level playing field to all aspirants was a superior
argument compared to zoning because Akwa Ibom was at such a critical juncture
where “other considerations” must be accorded more weight in the choice of the
next chief executive of the state.
“As I looked around, I see a number of faces here of people
I know are aspiring to the office of governor of this state,” Attah said in a
prepared address, copies of which were distributed to people present at the
reception. “A large number of those aspirants are from Eket Senatorial
District. This is as should be expected because of the sequential logic that
after Uyo and Ikot Ekpene, it should be Eket.
“But there must be a level playing field for all aspirants.
This is particularly true at this time when there is such a crying need to give
hope back to our people: to restore their confidence in their government and to
rebuild the state.
“Zoning will certainly be a major consideration, but at a
time like this certain other compelling determinants cannot be sacrificed on
the altar of zoning alone.”
Attah lauded his kinsmen for the honour done to him and
called for unity among his people. He said the people should come together to
fashion out a succession plan for orderly and rancour-free transfer of power
from one set of leaders to another.
The reception for Attah, organised by Ibibio leaders and
elders, was attended by dignitaries from across the nation. Chief Kanu Agabi,
SAN, former attorney general and minister of Justice representing Cross River
State during the Obasanjo administration, was the guest speaker, who paid warm
tribute to Attah for his sterling leadership qualities and enduring national
achievements and as well as the legacy of his stewardship as governor of Akwa
Ibom State for eight years.
Also present at the event was Lucky Igbinedion, former
governor of Edo, who also delivered a goodwill message in honour of Attah.
The reception was attended by more than 1 million people who
braved the heavy rain to honour the former governor.
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