NEW AKWA IBOM GOVERNOR'S LODGE TO COST N6.8 BILLION

The State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio has explained that the need for the construction of a new Governor's Lodge was informed by expert decision that the present hilltop mansion has a lot of structural defects.

The edifice is to be constructed by Julius Berger Construction Company with a target delivery of twelve to fifteen months.

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Speaking with Government House Reporters at Margaret Ekpo International Airport Calabar shortly after his return from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention in Abuja, Chief Akpabio said the choice of Julius Berger was based on its competitive bidding offer and tract record over the years.

The cost of the Governors Lodge is put at 6.8 billion naira.

Chief Akpabio said the new Governors lodge would be such that can accommodate at least twenty governors in different duplex as obtainable in other states.

According to governor Akpabio, the Governors lodge would also have the First Lady’s complex, Reception hall for Akwa Ibom Women, a Banquet Hall and an expended Clinic by way of hospital.

The State Chief Executive officer said the clinic to be fully equipped would take care of the health needs of Senior Civil Servants in the State and those working at the Government House.

Commenting on the recent victory of the Akwa Ibom born World Heavy Weight Boxer, Mr. Samuel Peter, Governor Akpabio lauded the doggedness exhibited by the Nigerian Nightmare.

Chief Akpabio said the success of Samuel Peter was enough to show the world that Akwa Ibom State has strong character dedicated to bringing glory not only to the state but to Africa at large.

The Governor said the Akwa Ibom born boxer needed more support noting that the investment done by state government in promoting sports was not a wasted effort.

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Chief Akpabio said the state has reached a stage it should be heard not only in Nigeria but the world over and called on the people of the state to strive to excel in sports to win laurels than engaging in petition writing.

The governor who also spoke of the success of the PDP at the National Convention that saw the emergence of Prince Vincent Ogbolafor as National Chairman said this was achieved due to the avalanche of support given to the chairman by the over twenty-six governors.

Governor Akpabio noted that such support has brought about peace and stability in the PDP, a situation he said was similar to that which took place in the state during the congress where wide spread consultations were made.

He said the success of the National Convention was a revelation which showed that democracy has come to stay and that Nigerians were alive to their responsibilities.