Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has issued a stern warning to socio-political groups in the state, threatening to disband any group that promotes ethnic rivalry, political intolerance, or actions capable of undermining the peace of the state. This warning was given during a special inter-denominational service held to mark Akwa Ibom's 39th anniversary. The governor emphasized that no political or socio-cultural interest should be allowed to endanger the unity of the state.
Governor Eno particularly cautioned groups and political actors against exploiting ethnic identities as the 2027 political season approaches. He urged them to resist actions capable of heating up the polity. The governor appealed to the people not to join those who promote division, stressing that political affiliations and differences were temporary and should not be allowed to destroy the bonds among the people or turn Akwa Ibom into a theatre of political and ethnic confrontation.
The governor identified peace and unity as among the most valuable achievements of his administration, urging the people to protect them rather than take the prevailing stability in the state for granted. He referenced major socio-cultural organisations in the state, including Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Ati Annang, and Esu Nlap Oro, urging them to recognise their responsibility in preserving the state's cohesion rather than becoming instruments of division.
Governor Eno also charged political actors to recognise early signs of crisis and take steps to prevent escalation, saying the ability to avert trouble before it becomes uncontrollable was a critical responsibility of leadership. He stated that individuals were free to change political parties without turning such decisions into grounds for hostility, maintaining that political interests should not supersede the collective interest of the state.
The governor dismissed allegations that his administration had reported individuals to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, saying he had not reported anyone to the anti-graft agency since assuming office. He described the allegation as coming from someone who was not conversant with the facts, while warning against reducing governance to what he described as "touting behaviour."
During the inter-denominational service, guest speaker Bishop David Abioye commended successive administrations in Akwa Ibom for building on the foundations laid by their predecessors. He described Akwa Ibom as one of Nigeria's progressive states, saying it keeps building on the master plan from one governor to the other. The service featured praise and worship, musical ministrations, prayers, and intercessions for the state, Governor Eno, and other leaders.
Reflecting on the state's 39th anniversary, Governor Eno highlighted some of his administration's interventions, including the ARISE Compassionate Homes for vulnerable citizens. He defended the homes against criticism, saying their significance should be measured by the transformation they had brought to beneficiaries rather than by how they appeared to outsiders. The governor expressed optimism about the state's prospects before its 40th anniversary, saying a greater Akwa Ibom is in the offing.
Key points
- Akwa Ibom State Governor threatens to disband groups promoting ethnic rivalry.
- Governor Eno emphasizes the importance of protecting the state's peace and unity.
- The governor highlights his administration's achievements, including the ARISE Compassionate Homes.
