Akpabio Hails Governor Eno for Promoting Political Unity in Akwa Ibom

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has praised the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, for fostering political unity in the state, noting that the prevailing harmony will accelerate development.

Akpabio gave the commendation when Governor Eno led a high-powered delegation of political leaders from the state to formally notify him of the decision of the former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Emmanuel Enoidem, to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Enoidem served as a Commissioner for eight years during Akpabio’s tenure as Governor of Akwa Ibom State and later held the position of PDP National Legal Adviser. He also contested against Akpabio in the last senatorial election for Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District.
Receiving the delegation at his residence in Uyo, Akpabio stated that no sacrifice was too great to ensure peace and unity in the state. He explained that the collaboration of political actors was not merely about electoral victories, but about sustaining peace and stability in Akwa Ibom.
In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Anietie Ekong, Akpabio was quoted as saying:
“Many would think that you have wasted your energy and your time fishing for your children wherever they are.
“You are quenching the fire before the fire starts. All you want is peace. If Akwa Ibom cannot remember you for anything else, they will remember you as a true man of peace.
“In my time while contesting for a second term, I witnessed 200 brand new cars and over 500 Keke NAPEP, along with the campaign office of the President, burnt down. So don’t think you are wasting your time.
“Take a look at what happened during the Yuletide at the Christmas Village. The people were overjoyed, and you could see the peace that permeated everywhere. I am not a Pastor, but the Bible says, ‘when the righteous is on the throne, the people rejoice.’”
In his remarks, Governor Eno said the delegation’s visit was to formally inform Akpabio of the decision of one of Akwa Ibom’s illustrious sons to join the APC. He noted that Enoidem’s political journey was closely linked with Akpabio.
“This is someone you have known. There are people whose stories will not be complete without you,” the Governor said.
“There is a time for everything. There are certain things we have all agreed on. One is to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to return for a second term, and also to support you, the Senate President, to return to the Senate and, by the grace of God, retain your position. Today, we are walking the talk that we are Akwa Ibom United and can work together.”
Also speaking, Enoidem described Governor Eno as a “great unifier” and recalled the Governor’s persistent efforts in persuading him to join the APC.
Addressing Governor Eno, Enoidem said:
“Your Excellency, I want to thank you for reconnecting me with my former boss. We may have had political disagreements, but Senator Akpabio has remained my boss, and even before today, I had told you I would work for him to return to the Senate.”
Enoidem is expected to be formally received at a rally in Utu Etim Ekpo, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, on Friday, January 23.