…both leaders vow to work for the State’s progress
Nigeria’s Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has handed over the leadership and political structure of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State level to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.
Senator Akpabio performed the handover during the first meeting of APC stakeholders in the State, following the recent movement of the Governor to the party. The event took place at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Uyo.
Addressing the gathering, Pastor Eno urged the Party’s leadership—from the ward level upwards—to accept the movement and merger with open arms so that everyone can benefit from it.
“This is a merger, and as the Senate President has said, we must therefore approach it with love, unity, and understanding. There has to be some sacrifice from both ends.
Let the leadership and members bring down the rhetorics so that we all can come together in droves and build a truly united All Progressives Congress in our State.
We have heard stories where some ward leaders have brought out lists of requirements for people who want to join the party, as if it is a marriage ceremony. Honestly, that should not be. We should be happy that Akwa Ibom is getting united, and we are all better for it,” he said.
Pastor Eno assured the stakeholders—especially Senator Godswill Akpabio—of his readiness to work together with the Party’s hierarchy and to support the ideology and interest of the Party for the overall good of the people of the State.
“I just want to tell our people and the party that I am here to work with you. I am here to contribute to the growth of the Party. We will work with you and give you that honour that you so rightly deserve.”
Handing over the mantle of leadership and the political structure of the party at the State level to Governor Eno, Senator Akpabio—who described him as a great unifier, a man of foresight and vision—said the Governor’s leadership has brought peace and unity to Akwa Ibom and has repositioned it for future growth.
The Senate President described Governor Eno’s movement into the APC as a merger and not an acquisition, and urged all members to join hands in working for the progress and overall interest of the State.
He called on the Governor to integrate the State, stressing that his position as Senate President is not to lord over the Governor but to protect the State’s interests and ensure its progress, so as to leave behind a legacy of love, peace, and unity for unborn generations.
He announced the modification of the Party’s slogan to encourage integration, love, unity, and progress.
Earlier, the State Chairman of the Party, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, commended the Governor for his exceptional leadership style that has transformed the State into a united and peaceful haven.
Obong Ntukekpo assured the Governor of the support and willingness of the Party’s leadership, urging members to submit to his leadership, guidance, and direction for the expected growth and progress of the State.
The State APC Woman Leader, Obonganwan Obonodo Uko; Youth Leader, Dr. Clement Awakessien; representative of Chapter Chairmen, Mr. Utitofon Jeremiah; and representative of Ward Chairmen, Mr. Edidiong Dama, appreciated the Governor for his inclusive leadership disposition—especially for reaching out to them even before joining the APC.
They acknowledged that a good number of their members had benefited from the Governor’s empowerment initiatives and pledged their readiness to support the Governor in attaining his lofty ideals for the Party and the State, as outlined in the ARISE Agenda.
The event was graced by members of the State Executive Council and the political class.