Akwa Ibom State Governor Mr Udom Emmanuel has acknowledged with satisfaction the role of the Legislature and Executive arm of government in nurturing and sustaining a viable democratic culture in the country.

Governor Emmanuel made the acknowledgment at Government House, Uyo during a breakfast meeting with members of the Gombe State House of Assembly who were in the state on a – five day retreat.

He expressed delight at the emergence of a new trend of leaders who are passionately committed to the peaceful co – existence of the country without being influenced by religious or ethnic affiliation.

Mr Emmanuel who particularly lauded the leadership of Gombe State House of Assembly in their choice of the State for the retreat and their cooperation with Governor Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, said that the workshop has afforded the law makers opportunity to brainstorm on their Legislative responsibilities with a view to breaking new grounds in their engagements.

He said that the cordiality existing among the lawmakers irrespective of their political platforms has enhanced smooth governance and enable other arms of government to function without hitches in the implementation of programmes for the benefit of the citizens.

This synergy, according to the Governor, has fast tracked development and ginger patriotism among Nigerians.

He therefore called on the people to learn from the global economic recession and evolve prudent management of available resources by laying a solid economic foundation that would sustain the nation and reduce tension in the country for sustainable development.

The speaker Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon. Onofiok Luke, said the visit by the Gombe State Legislators has enable the lawmakers to have a first hand knowledge of the passion by Akwa Ibom government to execute people oriented programmes and projects for the benefit of Nigerians and other nationals in the state.

He described the retreat as a step towards building a strong cooperation in governance and unity of the country and part congratulated his Gombe State colleagues for the succesful retreat.

Earlier, the Speaker Gombe State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Nasiru Abubakar Nunu expressed appreciation to Governor Udom Emmanuel for accommodating them throughout the period of the retreat and described Akwa Ibom as an outstanding state in the country with legislative harmony and commended the excellent infrastructure witnessed across the state.

Honourable Nunu who represents Deba State Constituency in Gombe State expressed delight at the  hospitality and the peaceful ambience enjoyed throughout their stay in the state noting that it was their first Retreat in the south south region of the country.

In a communique issued at the end of the retreat held at Francis Place Hotel Uyo with the theme Good Governance For Effective Law Making, the lawmakers called on Legislators across the country to develop template for obtaining data on Ministries, Departments And Agencies (MDAs) to monitor performance.

The lawmakers used the session to brainstorm on Constitutional powers, privileges and immunities of the Legislators as well as technics for effective oversight, public and investigative hearing, among others.