As condemnation continues to trail the unguarded utterance of the Publicity Secretary of African Democratic Congress, Manfred Ekpe against the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno and Wife, Patience, a group, Community Food Growers Association, CFGA, has risen in defense of the Governor’s achievements since being sworn into office.
In a statement issued by the Spokesperson of CGFA, Mrs. Imoh Brendan, on behalf of the association against the ADC’s claim over a woman who has been feeding her children with Chicken and fish feeds, the group cautioned Manfred Ekpe and his party to desist from heating up the polity unnecessarily, in an attempt to seek attention.
Enumerating the administration’s commitment to the overall development of the State, particularly agricultural interventions and food sufficiency as expressed in the numerous initiatives such as the free food distribution of the Bulk Purchase Agency as well as other enterprise development interventions as plausible, the group described Ekpe’s outburst as both unpatriotic and unfortunate .
Encouraging the Governor to ignore inconsequential kicks of a few merchants of controversy to dampen his resolve, but continue with his compassionate initiatives including the Arise Free Food initiative for vulnerable persons and Arise Compassionate Homes and many other laudable programs of the government, Mrs. Brendan restated that the Governor’s ARISE Agenda programmes were already providing solutions to many socio-economic challenges. “We are happy with the food security programme of the government.
“ We have received support in form of improved cassava stems, high yield seedlings, piglets, day old chic, amongst others. Those waiting for the Governor to come and buy garri and make soup directly for them are wasting their time” she added.
She urged the people to embrace the back to farm initiative of the government by growing basic crops and food stuff around their communities, noting that when this is achieved, the people and the State can collectively produce enough food to feed everyone.
