Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, has described as fulfilling, the battle for the abolition of on-shore-off-shore-oil dichotomy as more funds accrue from the Federation Account to the affected states for meaningful development.

Senator Anyim, who spoke during the gathering of Class 88 from Nigerian Law School, Lagos, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, recalled how senators, during his tenure as  Senate President, argued for the abolition of the on-shore-off-shore oil dichotomy in the Senate, saying:

“Without the abolition, some governors would not be able to execute some development programmes in their states But let me say, whenever Godswill Akpabio speaks and recounts the flyovers, the roads, among others, with what I saw, I am happy that  our battle was not in vain. I think one of the achievements of Akpabio is this Akpan story. You can all agree with me that it is very difficult to get a house boy or girl from Akwa Ibom State now.

“If we are pleased with what Akpabio is doing in Akwa Ibom State, we should identify, support and benefit from him. That is only when the class consciousness would be sustained. It is my desire to propose that in this meeting, we’ll be able to look at our constitution to see the direction we must go.”

In his remarks, Governor Godswill Akpabio thanked his class members for responding in large number to the reunion meeting, and stressed the need for them to use their offices to support President Goodluck Jonathan for him to move the country forward.

Akpabio remarked ‘’We must continue to support Mr. President to succeed in order to move the country forward. So in any capacity that you see yourself, serve well and be a transformation agent in transforming the entire country with no discrimination in it’’.

The Chairman of the Class 88, Chief Chibudom Nwuche said the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola hosted the class last year while Chief Godswill Akpabio hosted that of this year,  thanking them for the kind gesture.

Chief Nwuche, a one-time Deputy Speaker in the House of Representatives, described Akpabio as great achiever and a pride to Class 88 particularly for turning Akwa Ibom to a destination, explaining that the purpose of their reunion was to create impact in the society.