…Reassures citizens of better days ahead
Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has described Governor Umo Eno as a rare leader with remarkable wisdom and vision, who has drastically redefined and upgraded the developmental landscape of Akwa Ibom State.
The President made this remark when he formally received Governor Umo Eno into the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the party’s grand reception ceremony at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
President Tinubu said the movement was remarkably courageous and would usher in a new dawn with renewed hope for the people of the State.
Represented by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu assured the Governor that his entry into the APC would bring even more dividends of democracy to the people and the State, positioning Akwa Ibom to better fulfil its dreams and aspirations as captured in the ARISE Agenda.
While commending the sterling leadership qualities of Governor Eno, he assured the Governor of the Federal Government’s commitment to collaborate with the State in realizing its lofty developmental projects and programmes.
Earlier in his speech, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, described his movement along with the State to the APC as a progressive step, driven by enlightened state interest and aimed at aligning Akwa Ibom properly with the centre for the overall benefit of its people.
He emphasized that despite the political transition, his developmental focus remains anchored on the trajectory of the ARISE Agenda. He deeply appreciated the people of the State, party faithful, and supporters who chose to move with him en masse to the APC in pursuit of a better future for Akwa Ibom.
“Today, we step out bold, fearless, brave, courageous, and happy for our uncommon but progressive move from a position of strength, for our future is bright and full of positive gains.”
According to the Governor, for over 30 years, Akwa Ibom State has struggled to no avail to realize its dream of having a deep seaport, but with strategic alignment to the Federal Government, there is now hope and assurance of its eventual realization.
The Governor expressed gratitude to past leaders of the State such as Obong Victor Attah, Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Deacon Udom Emmanuel, acknowledging their significant contributions to the development of Akwa Ibom.
“Today, with our ARISE Agenda, and with what we have achieved already in the past two years, we are determined to deepen and expand the layers of our development and growth, which is what this progressive movement seeks to achieve and consolidate,” he said.
Governor Eno commended President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and the provision of adequate funding to states, noting that it has enabled the Akwa Ibom State Government to finance numerous projects across the State. He assured the people that his decision to move to the APC will reshape the future of Akwa Ibom, as captured in the State’s anthem: “Forward ever, backward never.”
In his remarks, Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio commended Governor Eno for his bold decision to align the State with the centre, describing it as a historic reunification of Akwa Ibom with Nigeria’s mainstream political structure.
He thanked the Governor for leading the State with humility and dignity through inclusive governance, which he said has earned him the trust, love, and support of the people.
Assuring the Governor of full support from the Federal Government, Akpabio acknowledged the State’s long-standing yearning for a deep seaport and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to granting that request.
He praised the Governor’s display of political maturity, which he described as not only a generational responsibility but also the true language of statesmanship. He further lauded Governor Eno for placing the unity and progress of the State above party lines, choosing partnership over partisanship.
The Senate President assured that by reconnecting the State to the government at the centre, Akwa Ibom would now be accorded its rightful place in the national equation.
Also speaking, the National Chairman of the APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, thanked the people of Akwa Ibom for turning out en masse to support not only the Governor but also President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress.
Congratulating the Governor on his strategic move, Ganduje praised his ARISE Agenda initiative and described him as a wise leader who prioritized national unity and prosperity over isolation. He declared Governor Eno the leader of the APC in Akwa Ibom State.
Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, said the APC was honoured by the overwhelming support from the people, which, according to him, signifies massive acceptance of the party both at home and in the diaspora.
Uzodinma added that the people’s decision to join the APC’s moving train was not only strategic but wise. He encouraged the Governor to maintain his outstanding leadership style, which has brought about a united and progressive Akwa Ibom.
Earlier, APC State Chairman Obong Stephen Ntukekpo described the Governor’s move as unprecedented and historic, signifying a new dawn for the State.
Calling Governor Eno a man of purpose, Ntukekpo welcomed him to the APC, stating that the bold and courageous move reflects his deep commitment to development, governance, and collaboration with the centre.
He emphasized that Akwa Ibom’s alignment with the APC symbolizes the beginning of greater investment, progress, and sustainable growth for the State.
Highpoints of the occasion included the official presentation of the party’s flag to the Governor and his formal declaration as a member and leader of the APC in Akwa Ibom by the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.
The event witnessed an unprecedented turnout of politicians across party lines, dignitaries, party faithful, supporters, and members of the general public.
