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Tag: Governor Umo Eno

  • Eno charges Youths to shun narcotics, embrace productive ventures

    Eno charges Youths to shun narcotics, embrace productive ventures

    Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno has charged youths across the country to shun narcotics and hard drugs, warning that drug abuse poses a grave threat to families, communities, and national development.

    He urged young people to take advantage of available opportunities and engage in productive ventures.

    The Governor gave the charge on Friday in Ikoyi, Lagos, during the public presentation of the book Kick The Habit, by Dr. Eno Udoma-Eniang.

    Represented by Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, Eno described drug abuse as a cross-generational menace that destroys lives, weakens families, and undermines societal progress.

    “Drug abuse is a challenge that touches families, communities, and every generation. It steals dreams, destroys lives, and weakens the foundations of our society,” the Governor said.

    He disclosed that his administration is working closely with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to intensify the fight against illicit drugs, while sustaining advocacy and behavioural change campaigns through the State Ethical and Attitudinal Reorientation Commission (EARCOM), religious, social and cultural organisations. He added that the State Government is also implementing various youth-focused development programmes to ensure positive engagement.

    Eno noted that books such as Kick The Habit play a critical role in combating substance abuse by educating the public on its dangers, prevention strategies, and the need for collective action.

    Commending the author, Dr. Eno Udoma-Eniang, the Governor described the book as more than a literary work, calling it a powerful tool for awareness, advocacy, and behavioural change.

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    “This book is not just a story; it is a tool for awareness, advocacy, and change. Through research, real-life experiences, and practical guidance, the author has provided a roadmap for individuals, families, and communities to understand and combat drug abuse,” he stated.

    The Governor called on parents, teachers, religious leaders, youth leaders, community leaders, and policymakers to move beyond awareness and actively apply the lessons contained in the book, stressing that a coordinated effort is required to curb the rising tide of substance abuse.

    “As we launch this book today, let us remember that awareness is the first step toward change. I encourage everyone here to read it, share its message, and act on its lessons. Together, we can build a society where our children and youths are safe, healthy, and empowered,” he added.

    Governor Eno congratulated Dr. Udoma-Eniang on what he described as a timely and impactful contribution to the fight against drug abuse, expressing hope that the book would spark meaningful conversations, inspire positive choices, and save lives.

    The book was presented by the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji. The event also featured the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), alongside representatives of the NDLEA and other relevant agencies.

    Other dignitaries at the event included the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor (Lagos Liaison), Mr. Michael Effiong, among others.

    Governor Eno reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth development, public health advocacy, and policies aimed at building a drug-free society.

  • Akwa Ibom people united in support for Tinubu’s agenda, says Eno

    Akwa Ibom people united in support for Tinubu’s agenda, says Eno

    Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has affirmed that the people of Akwa Ibom, across party lines, are united in their commitment to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Renewed Hope agenda for the benefit of all Nigerians.

    The governor made the declaration on Friday during a New Year homage visit to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, at his residence in Uyo.

    He used the visit to reiterate the state’s backing for President Tinubu’s administration and to express appreciation to Akpabio for his leadership, which he said has brought pride to Akwa Ibom at the national level.

    “We pray for more wisdom upon you to keep 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 the teacup, they will always be there. But when you see at the general outlook, you would know that the State is very united as far as 2027 is concerned,” he said.

    Pastor Eno commended Akpabio for the New Year gesture of ordering the withdrawal of all cases he had instituted against those who defamed and slandered him, saying such a gesture showed a 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 a strength of character to rise above such feelings of hurt to let go of the past. So I commend you for that,” he said.

    On his part, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, commended Pastor Eno for his support for President Tinubu and said the success of the President is the success of Nigeria as a country.

    “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 also for uniting the whole State to support him.

    “We are focused on assisting the President to succeed because if the President succeeds, Nigeria succeeds.”

    Akpabio thanked Governor Eno for the New Year visit and quoted Chinua Achebe to buttress it. “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,” to underscore the current unity in the State.

    “I commend you for the peace that we are enjoying in the state. You have done well in terms of the projects that you have executed. You have done well in terms of infrastructure. You have done very well in terms of human empowerment.

    “I have seen joy on the faces of Akwa Ibom people. The joy that you have brought to this State, the unity that you have brought to this State, will outlive you. Generations yet unborn will benefit from it. I wish you a happy New Year,” Akpabio said.

  • Eno proposes N1.39trn ‘people’s budget’ for 2026

    Eno proposes N1.39trn ‘people’s budget’ for 2026

    A total of N1,390,000,000,000 (One Trillion, Three Hundred and Ninety Billion Naira)  has been proposed for the 2026 Financial Year in Akwa Ibom State.

    Of this amount, N354, 867 billion or 25% of total budget is for Recurrent Expenditure, while N1,035 Trn representing 75% of the budget goes for Capital Expenditure.

    Governor Umo Eno, who made these 2026 budget estimates before the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly on Tuesday, explained that the budget represents a decrease of N260bn or 16 percent from the revised 2025 budget. 

    The 2026 budget christened “The People’s Budget of Expansion and Growth”, aims to cater for the needs of Akwa Ibom people across the 3 senatorial districts and stems from the needs documents presented by respective stakeholders during the Town Square Meetings and Empowerment Series across the 10 federal constituencies in the State.

    The capital expenditure estimates consist of N387.5 billion for Roads and other Infrastructure, N31.6 billion for Education and N136.1 billion for Health among others.

    Additionally, the allocation of 75% of the total budget to capital expenditure is intentionally meant to accelerate and stimulate economic activities in the state in the 2026 fiscal year. 

    “I urge you to quickly pass this budget so we may continue to work for our people” he told the law makers reaffirming his commitment to the needs of the people of Akwa Ibom state”, Governor Eno appealed.  

    He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, “for that bold act he took by removing the petroleum subsidy which today, has made it possible for States to have more funds and resources to execute both recurrent and capital projects.”

    Governor Eno maintained that his administration is on course with development for the people, “from agriculture to rural development, from infrastructure to security and educational advancements, tourism to healthcare, promotion of SMEs to sports, housing, transport among other key sectors.

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    “We are undertaking bold and audacious projects without borrowing and have earmarked resources to complete all the projects we have initiated. We thank the President again and assure him that to whom much is given, much is expected and we will deliver big for him come 2027.”

    “As we speak, 69,107 (sixty-nine thousand one hundred and seven) farmers have benefited from our agricultural revolution; 13,060 registered farmers have benefited from Agric processing machines and equipment we have purchased for our farmers. 

    “The palm tree crop revolution, which we plan to launch soon, will create a generational wealth for our people, especially those in the rural areas.  Through this revolution, government will actively get involved in palm tree planting and will eventually off-take from our farmers.”

    “To make this project take off and run smoothly, I recently directed AKADEP, to be moved from the Ministry of Agriculture to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government and a massive renovation exercise is ongoing in the facility. I intend to visit the facility from this presentation. We have bought tractors to aid our farmers, we will commission the tractor leasing company in December. 

    “We remain intentional in ensuring that there are ongoing projects in all the 31 local government areas- from model primary schools to model healthcare centres, 78 new feeder roads, 30 wet markets, water projects, electricity etc, all in line with our desire to stem rural- urban migration and ensure a good quality of life for our rural dwellers.”

    “Also, Government has made provision for one project each for the 31 Local Government Areas taken specifically from the NEEDS documents earlier submitted by the 10 Federal Constituencies of the State during our Town Square Meetings.

    “The outcome of this budget is based on citizens inputs documents as submitted to government during The State-Wide Town Square Meetings or Needs Assessment. In other words, it is a citizens-oriented budget.”

    Governor Eno maintained: “the policy thrust of the 2026 budget, which is titled THE PEOPLE’S BUDGET OF EXPANSION AND GROWTH will be anchored on the ARISE Agenda”, and will among other things, “Strengthen food security and sufficiency by expanding mechanized agriculture small-holder producers and promote value chains. Income earning potentials of rural households will be enhanced through home farm schemes, provision of access to farm inputs, credit and extension services as well as agro-processing support. 

    “The total Capital Receipts and Expenditure for the year 2026 is estimated at N1.035 trillion as against the approved revised provision of N1.224 trillion for 2025. A total projected Capital Receipts shows that N791.978 billion will be transferred from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, while the balance of N243.155 billion is to be realized from other capital receipts.”

    The Governor maintained that the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, will as usual, provide additional details on the sectoral allocations, insisting that “the 2026 people’s budget for growth and expansion reflects the request made by the stakeholders of each of the 31 Local Government Areas during our Town Square Meetings. 

    “The funds allocated to each of these 31 projects will be disclosed by the Hon. Commissioner for Budget during his planned media briefing.”

    He urged the speedily passage of the budget, assuring that “our governance compass, the Arise Agenda, is on a steady course, the achievements we have recorded in the past two years plus are inspiring. Let us continue to stay together in peace and in harmony so our people can thrive in this great Land of Promise.

    In his response, the Speaker Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Elder Udeme Otong, commended the Governor on the presentation of the budget, saying it aligns with the State’s ARISE Agenda with emphasis on Agriculture, rural development, healthcare and other things.

    He also thanked the governor on behalf of his colleagues, for his promise to remodel the AKHA complex.

    “As the 2026 budget is laid before us today, we will, as always, examine it critically to ensure that it aligns with Your Excellency’s vision for our state, through effective oversight, we will ensure that the budget delivers on the promises to stimulate and grow the economy of our Akwa Ibom people. 

    “Our aim is not merely to approve figures, but to ensure efficient allocation of resources, elimination of waste, and duplication, centering of physical discipline, prioritising of projects that directly uplift the lives of our citizens, with the ARISE Agenda as our guiding framework, and with continued collaboration between the Executive and the Legislature, I am confident that our state is on the path to unprecedented growth and prosperity’, the Speaker added.

  • Excitement as Eno commences CBT exams for civil service recruitment

    Excitement as Eno commences CBT exams for civil service recruitment

    Excitement and optimism filled the atmosphere on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 as thousands of applicants from across the state thronged the Civil Service Auditorium, Uyo, to participate in the Computer-Based Test (CBT) for the ongoing Akwa Ibom State Civil Service recruitment exercise approved by Governor Umo Eno.

    In preparation for the CBT examinations, the administration had rehabilitated the Civil Service Auditorium and equipped it with over 400 brand-new computers, networking facilities, and a reliable power supply system, ensuring a seamless and fully digital testing environment.

    The examination, which commenced today, marks a major milestone in the Governor’s commitment to a transparent and merit-driven process in public service employment. The exercise will run in five streams daily, with candidates receiving their scores instantly upon submission of answers.

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    Some candidates who spoke with reporters expressed excitement and appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for ensuring a level playing field for all applicants across the State. They commended the introduction of digital testing as a step forward in promoting fairness, accountability, and efficiency in the recruitment process.

    Present at the venue to supervise and monitor proceedings were the Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong, Commissioner for Information, Dr. Aniekan Umanah, Rector of the Digital Academy and Skills Acquisition Centre (DASAC), Prof. Enoidem Usoro, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Michael Effiong, as well as representatives of the Office of the Head of Civil Service and the Civil Service Commission.

    It would be recalled that Governor Eno had earlier approved the recruitment of 4,000 workers into the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service to strengthen the workforce and meet the personnel needs of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

  • Tinubu to Eno: You won’t regret joining APC

    Tinubu to Eno: You won’t regret joining APC

    • I’m ready for political storm ahead – Gov

    • Shettima, Akpabio, Ganduje, APC govs storm Uyo for Eno

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday rolled out the red carpet for Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno in Uyo, the state capital to formally receive him into its fold.

    On hand to welcome Eno was Vice President Kassim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu.

    Also there were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, 24 APC governors and other leading lights of the party led by the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje.

    Hundreds of thousands of party supporters filled the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, drumming, singing and dancing.

    Tinubu, in a speech read by the Vice President, told Eno that he would have no regret joining the APC, and promised that the governor’s decision had paved way for the integration of the state into the centre of national politics and development.

    “We are here today because we understand the fundamental truth that for any political party, the most enduring power does not come from division, it comes from unity of purpose,” the President said.

    “This friend we seek is not found in standing alone, or in fighting amongst ourselves, but in standing together. And that strength grows with every voice that joins this cause.

    “That is how we move forward; not by clinging to what divides us, but by running around what leaves us.

    “We are here because we believe in building bridges, not walls; in mending fences, not erecting new ones.

    “And, above all, we are here because we know that the political party is more than a political party, it is its people. The people are the party.

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    “I’m telling you this, Your Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, because I want you to know that President Tinubu is a bridge-builder, a democrat.

    “And so your decision to come home to the APC is one that you will never regret.

    “Mr. President asked me to assure you personally, no one will question your place here. The party is your home. You will not be humiliated. You will not be forsaken. We are your brothers and sisters in the high tide.

    “We rise with the low ebbs, we ride together, and we rise together, and we protect those who put us through fire and plot. That is why 10 years on, despite all odds, we remain the party to beat.”

    Akpabio, a former governor of the state, congratulated Eno for joining APC, describing the development as a clear signal that the remaining South-South states would soon join the ruling party.

    He described Tinubu as a sincere and compassionate leader who would deliver on the expectations of Akwa Ibom people, especially the realization of the Ibom Deep Seaport and other key infrastructural projects.

    “What is happening is not just political movement; it is political maturity; not just a generational responsibility but the language of statesmanship. And because you have been faithful with a little entrusted to you, your step is ordered by God,” the Senate President said.

    Continuing, he said: “You have placed the unity and progress of Akwa Ibom State above party lines. You have chosen partnership over partisanship.

    “So, to the men and women of Akwa Ibom State who have followed you diligently in this defining moment, our leaders, our thinkers, our patrons, I say to you welcome home to the progressive family.

    “We are not just here in numbers. You are not coming to add to the number of progressive members, you are going to add value to the progressive family.

    “You are bringing capacity to bear because you are a performing governor.

    “The entire state is with you, the house of assembly is with you, all the local government chairmen are here, all the stakeholders are here.

    “Then, who are those that would have caused trouble? There is none. They are not here.

    “So let us now move from mere handshake to hard work. From celebration here, we are going to move to collaboration.

    “The path ahead may be steep, but the reward is certain so long as we work together, so long as we speak together, and so long as we move together.

    “It was a little bit of a surprise when we (South-South) attempted to go different ways in 2023.

     “Today, Governor Otu is no longer an orphan. Thank you for being here to welcome your brothers. And you will welcome more brothers.

    “Governor Sheriff of Delta, thank you for joining the progressives’ family, and moving the South-South in the progressives’ direction.

    “Governor Umo Eno, after you, who knows? Rivers State will tumble. After Rivers, Bayelsa will join.

    “Of course, we have won the election in Edo State. We produced our amiable Senator Monday Okpebholo.

    “Come 2027, South-South will go one way; the South-South will vote for President Bola Tinubu.

     “I see the President getting 99.9 per cent votes in 2027.”

    Also speaking, Dr Ganduje said the movement of Governor Eno to the APC was from national political isolation to political relevance.

    Ganduje said the movement of South-South governors into the APC was a signal that President Tinubu’s policies were inclusive and worth aligning with.

    Eno said he took a risk to dump the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to join Senate President Akpabio in the APC with a view to getting the Ibom Deep Seaport established.

    He said he was prepared to face the political storm ahead as long as the Deep Seaport got done, and reassured the people that he would remain a governor for all despite party affiliations.

    His words: “Let me reassure all Akwa Ibomites that regardless of my political alignment, I will remain a governor for all Akwa Ibomites as we continue to implement progressively the Arise Agenda, which is our social contract with the Akwa Ibom people.

    “Today, your Excellencies, we step out bold, fearless, brave, courageous and happy. For this is an uncommon but progressive move from a position of strength.

    “For we are not afraid of the future or afraid of the storms ahead. As I’ve been taking a good decision, we have taken a risk by joining our son, the distinguished Senate President, to work with him and to deliver our President in 2027.”

    Eno announced his defection to the APC on June 6.

    He said he was doing so with members of his cabinet, all local government chairmen and councilors.

    His defection came on the heels of that of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other top members of PDP in the state, including the party’s immediate past governor and presidential running mate in the 2023 election, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.

  • Tinubu, Akpabio, 24 Govs receive Eno to APC

    Tinubu, Akpabio, 24 Govs receive Eno to APC

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday formally received Governor Umo Eno to the All Progressives Congress (APC) with the promise to integrate Akwa Ibom State into the centre of national politics and development.

    Also on hand to welcome Eno to the APC was the National Chairman of APC Abdullahi Ganduje and the leadership of the National Assembly led by the Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    At least 24 Governors of the ruling party among others including those of Cross River, Imo, Kwara, Kogi Jigawa, Delta, Edo, Ebonyi, Lagos, Ogun, Sokoto and Ondo among attended the grand reception of Governor Eno to the APC.

    Addressing the crowd at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, venue of the event, Tinubu said Eno will not regret joining the APC, adding the expectations of the governor for Akwa Ibom will be met.

    Represented by the Vice President Senator Kassim Shettima, the President said that the APC is committed to its own.

    “We are here today because we understand the fundamental truth that for any political party, the most enduring power does not come from division, it comes from unity of purpose.

    “This friend we seek is not found in standing alone, nor in fighting amongst ourselves, but in standing together. And that strength grows with every voice that joins this cause. That is how we move forward, not by clinging to what divides us, but by running around what leaves us. 

    “We are here because we believe in building bridges, not walls, in mending fences, not erecting new ones. And above all, we are here because we know that the political party is more than a political party is its people. The people are the party. 

    “I’m telling you this, Your Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, because I want you to know that President Tinubu is a bridge-builder, a democrat. And so your decision to come home to the APC is one that you will never regret. 

    “Mr. President, ask me to assure you personally, no one will question your place here. The party is your home. You will not be humiliated. You will not be forsaken. We are your brothers and sisters in the high tide. 

    “We rise with the low ebbs, we ride together, and we rise together, and we protect those who put us through fire and plot. That is why, ten years on, despite all odds, we remain the party to beat,” he stated.  

    Akpabio congratulated Eno for joining APC, saying that the development was a clear signal that the remaining states of the Southsouth will soon join the ruling party.

    He maintained that Tinubu was a sincere and compassionate leader who will deliver on the expectations of Akwa Ibom people regarding the realization of Ibom Deep Seaport and other key infrastructural projects.

    Akpabio said, ‘What is happening is not just political movement, it is political maturity; not just a generational responsibility, but the language of statesmanship and because you have been faithful with a little entrusted to you, your step is ordered by God. 

    “You have placed the unity and progress of Akwa Ibom State above party lines,  you have chosen partnership over partisanship. So to the men and women of Akwa Ibom State who have followed you diligently in this defining moment,  our leaders, our thinkers, our patrons, i say to you welcome home to the progressive family.

    “We are not just here in numbers you are not coming to add to the number of progressive members but you are going to add value to the progressive family. 

    “You are bringing capacity to bear because you are a performing governor, the entire state is with you, the house of assembly is with you, all the local government chairmen are here, all the stakeholders are here, then who are those that would have caused trouble there is none, they are not here. 

    “So let us now move from mere handshake to hard work, from celebration here we are going to move to collaboration, the path ahead may be steep but the reward is certain so long as we work together, so long as we speak together, and so long as we move together.

    “We are here coming to you the APC with loyalty with competence, and with strategic importance to our youth who are living in this country, and we will insist respectfully that our state be given its rightful place in our national equation.

    “So our dear president, we plead with you that you extend your grace and support to the request that the governor will make including the deep sea ports so that we can develop our blue economy, lead to empowerment of our youths and the elevation of our women across board,” he stated. 

     Ganduje said the movement of Governor Umo Eno into the party was from  national political isolation to political relevance.

    Ganduje said the movement of South-South governors into the APC was a signal that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu policies were inclusive and worth aligning with. 

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    He assured Governor Eno that with his movement to the APC, President Tinubu would begin to implement programmes that would solve the environmental problems in the state and region  as well as provide employment opportunities for the youths. 

    “Today is a historic moment because the governor has decided to join our party with these millions of followers including all his political party structures. You are most welcome to a progressive party.

    “In fact from your antecedent, from your disposition you are a progressive governor. We welcome you for coming home. Those that he met in the party, don’t regard him and his followers as newcomers. No, regard them as your brothers and sisters who went for sabbatical leave and now decided to come back home because they are progressive and they are meeting progressive party followers.

    “We assure him that our party believes in internal democracy. Our party believes in progressive ideas. Our party believes in discipline. Our party believes in orderly progresses. Our party believes in overall development of democracy. 

    “So you are most welcome into our party. We have to acknowledge Mr. President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. People are coming into our party, our political agenda, our renewed hope agenda for the South-South geopolitical zone is working,” he stated. 

    Eno said he took a risk to abandon the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to join the Senate President, Godwill Akpabio in the APC so as to secure the Ibom Deep Seaport,  adding that the movement was from a position of strength. 

    He stated that he was willing to face the political storm ahead as long as he secures the Ibom Deep Seaport for Akwa Ibom, and reassured the people that he would remain a governor for all despite party affiliations.

    He added that the emphasis of his government is the implementation of the ARISE agenda, and urged all factions within the APC to sheathe their swords and close ranks to reunite the party and move it forward. 

    “Let me reassure all Akwa Ibomites that regardless of my political alignment, I will remain a governor for all Akwa Ibomites as we continue to implement progressively the Arise Agenda, which is our social contract with the Akwa Ibom people. 

    “Today, your Excellencies, we step out bold, fearless, brave, courageous, and happy. For this is an uncommon but progressive move, from a position of8 strength. 

    “For we are not afraid of the future, nor afraid of the storms ahead. As I’ve been taking a good decision, we have taken a risk by joining our son, the distinguished Senate President, to work with him and to deliver our President in 2027,” he stated. 

  • Ex-Minister urges Akpabio to support Eno’s inclusive politics

    Ex-Minister urges Akpabio to support Eno’s inclusive politics

    Elder statesman Chief Nduese Essien has urged the Senate President Godswill Akpabio to support Governor Umo Eno’s politics of inclusiveness in Akwa Ibom state.

    Essien, a former Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, said Akpabio can do that by giving appointments, empowerment and political opportunities to members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    He said he had no political affiliation with any party and could not have defected with Eno from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as insinuated in some quarters.

    The former Chairman of the Southsouth Parliamentary Caucus in the National Assembly, said he was in support of the Governor’s defection to the APC, hoping that the movement will be beneficial to Akwa Ibom state.

    “Let me also highlight that even before his defection, Pastor Umo Eno had shown an admirable level of maturity in navigating party lines.

    “He supported the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC for a second term, despite being a PDP Governor. 

    “These actions, while controversial to some, were calculated to ensure peace, stability, and strategic alignment for the benefit of Akwa Ibom State.

    “Sadly, such magnanimity has not been reciprocated by the Senate President or his political machinery. Appointments, empowerment programmes, and political opportunities have remained exclusive to APC loyalists, leaving out PDP members and even those who have chosen neutrality for the sake of peace. This lack of inclusion has continued despite the governor’s overt gestures of goodwill and cooperation,” he said.

    On his rumoured defection to the APC, Essien said: “I wish to address the political conversations following the recent defection of our Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). 

    “The event, which I attended in solidarity with the Governor as an elder statesman and an indigene of Akwa Ibom State, has led to several misrepresentations in the media and on social platforms. Someone have falsely claimed that I have joined the APC.

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    “Let me state without ambiguity: I have not defected from any party to another.  My attendance at the event was not a declaration of political affiliation but a demonstration of support for the governor, who has shown a rare level of maturity and inclusiveness in governance. 

    “Since my decision not to contest for any elective office at the age of 70 in 2014, I have chosen to function purely as an elder statesman—offering advice, promoting peace, and standing for what is just and equitable in our state and country.

    “Let me also make it abundantly clear that Governor Umo Eno’s defection is his personal political decision, backed by his constitutional right and informed by what he must have considered the long-term interests of Akwa Ibom State”

    However, the elder stateman said it was wrong for the Governor to coerce members of the State and National Assembly to defect to the APC with him.

    “These elected officers are operating on a separate and independent mandate and should be free to take their decision,” he said.

  • Abak fed constituency stakeholders pledge support for Tinubu, Akpabio, Eno’s reelection

    Abak fed constituency stakeholders pledge support for Tinubu, Akpabio, Eno’s reelection

    Stakeholders from the five local government areas that make up the Abak federal constituency of Akwa Ibom state have pledged support for the reelection of President Bola Tinubu.

    They also promised to ensure the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno are reelected for a second term in office.

    During a meeting in Uyo yesterday under the aegis of Concerned Stakeholders of Abak 5, they expressed satisfaction with the policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration.

    According to the group which comprise present and past political office holders, the stakeholders said they will work to mobilize grassroots support for Tinubu, Akpabio and Eno ahead of the 2027 election.

    Speaker after speaker, including the former Chairman of Ukanafun local government Council, Uko Idiong, former Vice Chairman of Oruk Anam,  Okokon Etiebet expressed confidence in the leadership style of the President.

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    They also hailed Tinubu vision of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the developmental strides of Governor Eno.

    Idiong said: “We in the Abak 5 political Bloc of Akwa Ibom Northwest senatorial district declare our support for the second term ambitions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.

    “We are made up of the five local government areas of Abak, Etim Ekpo, Ika, Ukanafun, and Oruk Anam. With our votes, we will reelect these leaders who have shown massive capacity to lead the country well”. 

    The APC chapter chairman of Ukanafun, Akaninyene Ukpanah and the senior legislative aide to the Senate President, Obong Freedom Ibritam emphasized the need for sustained collaboration and political harmony across party lines to ensure stability and development in the region.

  • Happy Birthday His Excellency Governor Umo Eno

    Happy Birthday His Excellency Governor Umo Eno

    His Excellency, UMO ENO, Governor, Akwa Ibom State

    Happy Birthday, Mr. Governor!
    Wishing you a wonderful year ahead filled with continued success, good health, and happiness.
    Thank you for your dedicated leadership and service!

    COURTESY: CIG MOTORS CO., LTD.

  • Governor Eno: My focus is good governance for A’Ibom, not political gamesmanship

    Governor Eno: My focus is good governance for A’Ibom, not political gamesmanship

    …affirms support for Tinubu’s policies

    Governor Umo Eno has reaffirmed his commitment to delivering good governance to the people of Akwa Ibom State, emphasizing that he will not be distracted by political gamesmanship.

    The governor made this assertion in a press release issued by his Chief Press Secretary, addressing allegations made by a faceless political group identified as “Concerned Members of the All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom State.” 

    The group had published an advertorial in which the governor’s office dismissed as a baseless attempt at blackmail.

    Refuting the allegations, the Chief Press Secretary stated, “Our attention has been drawn to an advertorial published in The Nation newspaper of January 22, 2025, by an amorphous group under the name Concerned Members of the All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom State. 

    “The authors, in what was purely a politically motivated hatchet job, maliciously concocted a rich cocktail of lies and blackmail against the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD.”

    Governor Eno reiterated his administration’s resolve to remain focused on the state’s development agenda and not be swayed by politically motivated distractions.

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    The statement noted that the intent of such advertorial was to strain the warm relationship between the Governor and President Tinubu, the Senate President and the Minister of Petroleum.

    “The undisguised intent of the purveyors of the inane advertorial was to cause a strain in the widely acknowledged warm relationship the Governor enjoys with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and, by extension, the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, and the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), ObongEmem Ekperikpe Ekpo.”

    The statement described the claims in the advertorial as outlandish and obtuse.

    “Some of the lies and falsehoods they pushed in the advertorial are so outlandish and obtuse that we can’t even repeat them here.

    “We, however, wish to state categorically that Governor Umo Eno, PhD, has not formed any such clandestine alliance as the group falsely and maliciously stated.”

    The statement expressed dismay over the advertorial, describing it as a deliberate attempt to create distractions at a time when the President is touring the nation to rally support for his bold economic initiatives—initiatives that Governor Eno firmly supports.

    “It is unfortunate to note that while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is rallying the nation to support his bold and audacious economic plans aimed at taking our nation out of the current economic challenges—which Governor Umo Eno has enthusiastically and openly endorsed and has severally canvassed support for—this faceless group could maliciously concoct such lies, falsehoods, and blackmail against the Governor.”

    The release stated that the such faceless group hate the peace spirit of bipartisan of the governor.

    “It is obvious that the promoters of this faceless group hate the current peace, amity, and spirit of bipartisanship which Governor Eno has promoted in the State.

    “This spirit of working across party lines certainly has canceled out their deeply entrenched selfish interest of stoking tensions in the State, and thereafter profiting from the chaos and unnecessary political wars they had helped ignite.”

    The Chief Press Secretary categorically stated that Governor is in full support of President Bola Tinubu and maintains robust relationship with the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

    “Truth be told, Governor Eno is focused on working collaboratively with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government, the National Assembly led by Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, our son, to achieve the Arise Agenda for the betterment of the people of Akwa Ibom State. This is the time for governance and not for political gamesmanship.

    Governor Eno respects and supports President Tinubu, GCFR, and believes that if his administration succeeds, we all succeed. He will continue to support the President as well as the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON.”

    The release equally added that Governor Eno, “…enjoys a warm relationship with the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), ObongEmem Ekperikpe Ekpo, and both are working together to bring development to the State, especially in the oil and gas sector, of which Akwa Ibom State is a leading producer.”

    The statement called on the faceless group to rather applaud and support such robust relationship rather than using it to score cheap political goals.

    “This great collaboration should be applauded rather than being pilloried by a faceless group of political jobbers to score cheap political points.

    “The insidious and malicious advertorial should be dismissed for what it represents: a hatchet job by enemies of peace and tranquility.”