Senator Akpabio celebrates Arc Otu Ita Toyo at 70.

Senator Akpabio celebrates Arc Otu Ita Toyo at 70.

The Senator-Elect for Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, Senator Godswill Akpabio has described Elder Statesman, Arc Otu Ita Toyo as a man with impeccable integrity who should be celebrated by Akwa Ibom people.

Addressing the celebrant in his home in Uyo, Senator Akpabio said: “I have been on political consultations but today I said I must come here to pay special tribute to God Almighty for keeping you alive to see 70 years on earth. Congratulations.

“Over and above that I came also to pray that God Almighty will continue to keep you strong even at 80 years. And God should also keep us alive to attend your 80th birthday and other birthdays in future. You don’t even look 70. You’re looking as if you want to hit 50 years on earth.

“One thing I can say about you is that God will never leave you. And that’s because you are a man of integrity and commitment to whatever you’re focused on,” he said.

Senator Akpabio recalled when he contested against 57 aspirants as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State in 2006 and Arc Ita Toyo was the State party Chairman. He said Arc Ita Toyo turned down humongous sum of money which was to be used to bribe him to sell the ticket of the party to the highest bidder.

According to Senator Akpabio, “I’m telling everyone now that you were very instrumental in sustaining the ticket which I won as the governorship candidate of the party. I came to applaud your integrity. My prayer is that your children who are doing extremely well and making us proud around the world will continue in that path of integrity,” he said.

Responding, the celebrant, Arc Ita Toyo said he had come a long way with Senator Akpabio and said the story of the former Governor was a story of grace and expressed appreciation to him for coming to celebrate with him. He prayed for Senator Akpabio to achieve his ambition and attract more development to Akwa Ibom State.

Also speaking the Chairman of the birthday celebration, Engr Ita Awak described the celebrant as his friend, brother and mentor and said he had learnt a lot from the lifestyle of Arc Ita Toyo.

He said he was glad to hear Senator Akpabio recount the critical role Arc Ita Toyo had played in his becoming the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and praised Senator Akpabio for the symbolic reconnection with the Ita Toyo family.

He said Akwa Ibom will be lucky to have Senator Akpabio as the first Senate President from the State and urged support for him. High point of the visit was prayer for the celebrant and his family.