Governance
Governor Eno Pays New Year Homage to Akpabio, As Both Leaders Reaffirm Support for Tinubu
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has declared that the people of Akwa Ibom, irrespective of political affiliation, are united in their determination to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Renewed Hope agenda for the overall benefit of Nigerians.
Governor Eno made the declaration on Friday during a New Year homage visit to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, at his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking during the visit, Pastor Eno explained that he came to pay the traditional New Year homage to the Senate President and to appreciate him for his leadership and for making Akwa Ibom proud at the national level.
“We pray for more wisdom upon you to continue supporting President Tinubu because you are all tied together. We also assure you that we are holding the ground at home for you. That is one assurance you need to know.
“Akwa Ibom is united for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Akwa Ibom is united for you, Chief Akpabio. In fact, four days ago, the youths of Akwa Ibom State held a massive rally to endorse the President, yourself and my humble self.
“Akwa Ibom is united across party lines. We may have some storms in a teacup, and they will always be there, but when you look at the general outlook, you will know that the state is very united as far as 2027 is concerned,” he said.
Governor Eno also commended Senator Akpabio for his New Year gesture of ordering the withdrawal of all cases he instituted against those who defamed and slandered him, describing the action as a demonstration of strength of character.
“It gave me so much joy because that is leadership. Beyond what you did, it is a great encouragement to pastors that our leaders can listen to a message and be inspired by it.
“It was Mahatma Gandhi who said that forgiveness is not for the weak but for the strong. It takes strength of character to rise above such feelings of hurt and let go of the past. So I commend you for that,” he said.
In his response, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, commended Governor Eno for his support for President Tinubu, noting that the success of the President translates to the success of Nigeria as a nation.
“We are behind you just as we support President Tinubu. His reform agenda may be painful, but it is working. I want to thank you for your support for the President and for uniting the entire state to support him. We are focused on assisting the President to succeed because if the President succeeds, Nigeria succeeds,” Akpabio said.
Akpabio thanked Governor Eno for the New Year visit and cited Chinua Achebe to emphasize its significance: “When we gather together in the moonlit village ground, it is not because of the moon. Every man can see it in his own compound. We come together because it is good for kinsmen to do so,” highlighting the prevailing unity in the state.
He further commended the governor for the peace currently enjoyed in Akwa Ibom State, as well as his achievements in projects, infrastructure development and human empowerment.
“I have seen joy on the faces of Akwa Ibom people. The joy you have brought to this state and the unity you have fostered will outlive you. Generations yet unborn will benefit from it. I wish you a happy New Year,” Akpabio added.
