In a New Year's speech delivered yesterday, Akpan expressed gratitude to God and the state's residents for supporting him during his recent struggles, stating he "holds no grudge against anybody on that sad and despicable act."
Akpan, who represents Akwa Ibom North East, vowed to lead an inclusive administration if elected in 2033 in his New Year message, "2023: Our Rebirth Is Nigh."
According to him, the state's 31 local government districts would all have equal access to opportunities for participation and contribution to the state's well-being.
Since being released from Ikot Ekpene Correctional Center, the telegram was his first public comment.
According to him, “This New Year message to you all is one filled with exhilaration of joy and immeasurable gratefulness to the Almighty God-the Omnipotent, Omnipresent and Omniscient-for granting us great help to live through the year 2022 despite the ferocious challenges we encountered.
“Personally, God has filled my mouth with songs of praises for making His word a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105) throughout the 28 days of the unjust incarceration in Ikot Ekpene Correctional Centre, before I was granted bail by the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
“May I therefore use this opportunity to thank the great people of Akwa Ibom State and indeed other well-meaning Nigerians-men, women, youths and children-who prayed ceaselessly and tirelessly for God’s divine intervention and who in their unquantifiable numbers thronged the Ikot Ekpene Correctional Centre on December 29, 2022.
“Others lined the routes to Uyo as well as assembled at Senator Bassey Albert Multi-purpose Recreational Centre in Ifa Ikot Akpan on Airport Way to welcome me after my release.
“That massive reception will ever remain unforgettable and indelible in our hearts.
“In the light of the above, I wish to state that we hold no grudge against anybody on that sad and despicable act.
“Rather, we see the episode as a watershed experience in the journey towards giving Akwa Ibom State the needed rebirth in all ramifications.
“At this point, we wish to echo the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson that ‘Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail’.
“We therefore restate that our policies ingeniously crafted, remain the best for Akwa Ibom State. We will follow their implementation holistically.”