Royal fathers in Udung Uko Local government area have identified with Chief Godswill Akpabio’s administration on the ongoing construction of a seaport and an industrial city in Oron Federal Constituency of the state. The position was given by the paramount ruler of the area, Edidem Etim Atti Okpo, Alta Oro V, during a courtesy visit on him by Chief Godswill Akpabio recently.

Edidem Okpo in a two-page address also called for the construction of more urban roads in his domain to open up the heartlands of Oro nation. He listed the roads to include Udung Uko- Edikor Akai Afi Road which axis leads to the palace of the royal father. Other roads presented for reconstruction by the Oro patriarch were Eyo Abasi-Ekim Oruko-Etebi Roads which spurs from Oruko to Ebughu and from Oruko to Umume as well as Okpodi Atabong Roads linking Okobo Local Government Area.

The royal father however appealed to the state governor to award contract for the construction of Edikor Road, which leads to his palace saying it will ease transportation problem in the area.

The Ahta Oro in council used the forum to commend effective leadership of Esu Nlap Oro, headed by Nlap Apostle Etim Ante especially for maintaining peace among the youths and massive mobilization of supporters for Governor Akpabio's re-election in 2011. He also commended the new commissioner for youths and sports Pastor Oyong Asukwo for his benevolence and magnanimity to Oro people, especially in the area of youth empowerment.

He maintained that the endorsement of Chief Godswill Akpabio for a second term in office in 2011 is with a royal blessing, nothing that ‘‘one good turn of service by the governor deserves another’’. He pointed out that Chief Akpabio has distinguished himself as pragmatic and bridge-builder, having cemented the bond of unity in the state and effective execution of people-oriented projects.

Chief Akpabio expressed delight at the reception and the blessing by the royal fathers, nothing that it reaffirmed their interest and commitment to the progress of the state. The governor explained that since assumption of office, his administration has been working tirelessly for the three senatorial districts and affirmed commitments to give a sense of belonging to all sections of the state.

He said his administration would exemplify itself as the hope of every Akwa Ibom person, nothing that Oro nation occupies a significant position which makes it not to be underrated in governance. He pleaded with Oro nation to remain patient in their request for reconstruction of roads, explaining that some roads awarded for reconstruction require redesigning for proper drainage systems, considering the terrain of the area.

Chief Akpabio assured that from the redesigning, work would soon recommence in a few months, stressing that all roads awarded for construction will be completed in the next six months. Top political class who witnessed the reception were former minister of environment, Chief Helen Esuene, the PDP state chairman, Chief Uwem Ita Etuk; the international coordinator of Akwa Ibom People’s Forum (AKPF), Bishop Samuel Akpan; the new commissioner for youth and sports, Pastor Oyong Asuquo, among others.