By Kingsley Agim
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has assured citizens of Cross River and Akwa Ibom states that priority has been given in the nation’s 2024 budget to addressing the precarious road infrastructure in the two sister states.
Sen. Akpabio gave the assurance, Friday while speaking to journalists at Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, upon his arrival in the Cross River capital city for a thanksgiving service of Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong of Cross River Southern Senatorial District.
Speaking about the bad condition of the Calabar-Itu Federal Highway and the harrowing experiences of its users and the attendant economic disadvantages, the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State admitted that, “It affects both states,” however, assuring that Nigeria’s 2024 budget reflects the intention of the Senate under him to touch the lives of Cross Rivererians and Akwa Ibomites positively.
The Senate President, an alumnus of the prestigious University of Calabar, said he was home to congratulate Governor Bassey Otu on his victories, with the latest being the Appeal Court’s re-affirmation of his election.
He also commended the governor for leading a peaceful administration of the state, saying, “We are very proud of him.
“I am also here because of my Senators. The three Senators from Cross River State are very supportive of my leadership in the Senate, especially my younger brother, Distinguished Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who would, Saturday, be thanking God for his child, family and victory at the polls.”
The Senate President was received by a high-profile state government delegation led by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, APC State Chairman, Alphonsus Eba, Esq., members of the State Executive Council, amongst others.