…celebrates past leaders for contributions to state development
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has called on indigenes of the state to join hands with him to maintain a peaceful, united Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking at an interdenominational thanksgiving service to mark his second anniversary as Governor at the International Christian Worship Centre, Uyo, the Governor said that of all the achievements of his administration within the last two years, the sustenance of peace and unity among individuals and groups in the state was the most important and has been the foundation for his government’s success.
He appreciated all past governors of the State for their respective impactful contributions to the growth and development of the state.
Governor Eno, who has since assumption of office abhorred every form of disrespect for elders, recalled with gratitude the role of Obong Victor Attah in the onshore-offshore dichotomy struggle, which led to the availability of more resources to the state; the infrastructural transformation of Senator Godswill Akpabio; and the contributions of Deacon Udom Emmanuel. He called for continuous support and respect for all leaders across the State.
“Today, for me, the greatest achievement of my administration in two years is the unity and peace that we have achieved as a government. No development or progress would have happened in this State if there was no unity and peace among our people. It would have been a big distraction for us,” he said.
According to the Governor, “We don’t have an ‘Abuja front’ or ‘Lagos front’ or ‘Home front,’ but that unity of purpose which is a product of God’s grace on our side through our prayers, love, and togetherness. It is that peace that is our greatest achievement in the last two years. We are Akwa Ibom United.”
He disclosed that peace has allowed him to concentrate, to have dreams of projects, and dreams of moving the State forward, and he thanked God and the people for their understanding, support, and love.
Governor Eno, who started his thanksgiving message with a song composed from Psalm 124, “If it had not been the Lord on our side,” appealed to all Akwa Ibomites to, in the spirit of the anniversary, forgive all past leaders in any way they may have erred, and all who may have done one wrong or the other, and let peace continue to reign in the State.
“I have received quality counsel, not just from the PDP, but also from the APC, IPAC, and leaders of our State, making all of us significant stakeholders in our State. I am most grateful and proud of you all for this positive development in our land.
“This is the joy that we share. This is the gift that Akwa Ibom is giving to Nigeria – that we can stay in peace if we truly want to stay in peace; that we can all shift grounds and accommodate one another,” he said.
Expressing rare humility and gratitude, he noted that political parties are vehicles or platforms to contest elections, but not to be used for disunity, hatred, and disrespect to the detriment of the progress of the State and its people.
The Governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his foresight and bold policies, which have ensured that States now have more funds to carry out audacious and impactful projects.
He urged the congregation to support President Tinubu and the Senate President to succeed, even beyond 2027.
In his remarks, President of the 10th Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senator Ekong Sampson, congratulated the Governor on a successful second anniversary with remarkable achievements, and assured that members of the National Assembly will continue to support and collaborate with the Governor to project the interest of the State.
Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, appreciated the Governor for being the needed bridge of unity and peace in the State, and also for impacting lives, especially those of the less privileged in rural areas.
Also, the Minister for Petroleum (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, described Governor Eno as a man of peace and great unifier, charging Akwa Ibom people to emulate Eno’s leadership style by developing a culture of peace, love, unity, and humility to sustain the current atmosphere in the State.
The State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Elder Aniekan Akpan, alongside the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and IPAC, thanked God for the gift of Governor Umo Eno, who came to unite all political parties for the good and peaceful development of the State, and declared the consensus endorsement of the Governor for a second term by all the political parties in the State.
On his part, State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Chris Nyong, congratulated the Governor and his team on a successful second anniversary, stating that for two years, the State has been in safe hands and that the church was happy with his representation in the political arena.
Earlier, Rev. (Dr.) Sylvania Ukafia of the Insight Bible Church, Uyo, in his homily on the theme “Great is Thy faithfulness,” culled from the Bible book of Lamentations 3:23, noted that God’s faithfulness is ever constant for His children, as He is the Alpha and the Omega who owns and controls everything in life.
He therefore admonished Christians to keep on believing and trusting in God, who is ever faithful and merciful to help them out of life’s challenges.
The event, which featured sessions of praise, worship, hymns, choir ministrations, and special prayers, was graced by members of the State Executive Council, clergies, political class, ordinary citizens, and guests from within and outside Nigeria.
