Lagos — Akwa Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, has exposed plans by political opponents to contact militants to kidnap, maim and kill prominent citizens of the state (security report).

The governor, who disclosed this at a quarterly press briefing at the Government House, Uyo pointed out that the intention was to discredit his government.

According to him, he has petitioned the Presidency on the matter and urged journalists to fight for the survival of democracy by exposing those behind politically motivated kidnap and murder.

The governor, who promised to return "fire for fire," said that the kidnap of General Edet Akpan (rtd) should be a cause for concern and expressed the hope that with God's assistance, he will bring stability to the land as the evil plans to destabilise the polity will not work.

Akpabio, who harped on the programme of the present administration, expressed determination to complete ongoing projects such as power distribution from the Independent Power Plant (IPP), 20th Anniversary Specialist Hospital and e-Library among others.

On the dualisation of Nung Udoe Ibesikpo road, he assured that as soon as the 2010 budget is passed, work will begin on the project as well as the construction of 11 additional urban roads approved for Uyo, Mkpat Enin, Ikot Abasi and Abak.

He commended the journalists for accompanying him to receive the Daily Independent Man of the Year 2009 Award and informed them of his intention to invite the Presidency to come and commission some projects in the state.

Present at the press briefing were Secretary to the State Government, Obong Umana O. Umana, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekpenyong Ntekim, the Commissioner for Information and Social Re-orientation, Mr. Aniekan Umanah, the Chairman of AKIPOC, Mr. Nsima Ekere, and media executives, amongst others.