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  • I will respect past leaders despite ethnic, political affiliation, says Gov Eno

    I will respect past leaders despite ethnic, political affiliation, says Gov Eno

    Akwa Ibom state governor, Umo Eno, has promised to provide responsible leadership and respect past leaders irrespective of ethnic and political bias.

     Eno made the pledge while addressing congregants at a special Sunday worship service at Saint Anne Cathedral of the Ikot Ekpene Catholic Diocese in Ifuho, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.

    During his address, he reiterated his appreciation for the support of the Christian community and the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District towards the success of his administration.

    According to the governor, being in government is an opportunity to serve, and every day must be made to count. 

    He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that his administration serves as an example for all pastors who seek elective offices.

    “We thank the Church for their prayers and for the support they have shown to their own.

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    “I know, really, that the success of this government will be a referendum for the Church and, to a large extent, will represent success for the Church in Akwa Ibom.

    “It will also give credence to any pastor in the future who seeks public office. So, I hold this position in trust with utmost care and diligence,” Eno said.

    Recollecting how his administration has been deliberate in ensuring the equitable distribution of development projects across the various constituencies of the State, the governor assured the public that he will continue to pursue peace and unity in the State through inclusiveness, as demonstrated in the 2025 budget.

    “We have tried, by the grace of God, to show leadership across ethnic lines and political divides in this State.

    “We have, in all honesty, pursued unity for our State because it is on that basis that we will enjoy the peace we have been praying for. We have made every effort to show respect to our leaders. At this point in their lives, those who have served before us deserve our respect and recognition.”

  • Gov Otu pays condolence visit to Eno over wife’s loss

    Gov Otu pays condolence visit to Eno over wife’s loss

    The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, led a delegation of government officials and prominent statesmen on a condolence visit to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno.

    The delegation expressed heartfelt sympathies over the loss of Pastor Patience Umo Eno, the governor’s wife, whose final rites are scheduled for this weekend.

    During the solemn encounter, Governor Otu expressed: “Your Excellency, my esteemed colleague, I empathize with the profound sorrow you are experiencing; we stand in solidarity with you during this time of grief. The loss you are enduring is collosal, and no one can truly replace the unique presence of your beloved wife. Each individual is distinct, just as every finger bears its own uniqueness. I have faith that the Divine will be a constant companion to you.”

    Governor Otu relished the deep connection that existed between the Akwa Ibom State Governor and his late wife, which he described as “harmonious.”

    “The duration of one’s life and the unity of a family do not define the impact left behind; it is the enduring legacy that fortifies the bonds that tie us together,” Otu averred.

    Leaning on biblical injunction which instructs that we give thanks to God in all circumstances, Governor Otu prayed: “We offer our gratitude for the events that have transpired. I am confident that the Almighty will grant you the resilience and inner strength to navigate this loss.”

    He added: “On behalf of the entire populace of Cross River State, I extend my heartfelt condolences to you for the loss of your cherished wife. This is a monumental loss not only for the people of Akwa Ibom but also for all the residents of Cross River State. Our two states continue to share a profound unity and affinity; we stand by your side in this time of sorrow. We are here to walk alongside you, to support, and to shed tears with you. Please know that we stand firmly with you, not just as neighbors.”

    In response, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State expressed his gratitude to his Cross River counterpart for the visit, acknowledging that “the presence of a brother is evident through the grand delegation that visited.”

    He said: “We are deeply appreciative of your condolences. It is the collective sharing of grief in moments like these that provide us with solace and encouragement. It is this outpouring of love and support that sustains us.”

    Emphasizing the challenging nature of their roles as leaders Governor Eno quipped: “This is a trying period. The responsibilities we bear do not allow us the luxury of mourning when faced with such circumstances. The demands of leadership are relentless. We have pledged to prioritize the common good over personal interests. This places us in a position where we oscillate between personal sorrow and public duties. The support and encouragement we receive from the people truly help us navigate these complexities. Your visit, as you rightly mentioned, signifies the presence of a brother.”

    Read Also: Gov Otu appeals to workers to suspend proposed warning strike

    “I tell people, that in mourning my wife there will be no closure of some sort. It will be in life time pain. And you have rightly said so; No one will be able to replace her. In my heart. It’s not possible. As you aptly mentioned, no one can ever fill the void she has left in my heart; it is an impossibility.”

    “We believe that this was fated by the Divine; despite our exhaustive efforts to seek medical intervention and offer prayers, we find solace in the belief that there is a higher purpose. We draw comfort from our faith, knowing that we will reunite with her eternally. Her departure has amplified her essence, as evidenced by the outpouring of love we have received. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you and all those who have joined us today. May God grant us longevity and fortitude, shielding us from such adversities in the future. Amen.”

    Accompanying Governor Otu in the Cross River State delegation were his wife Bishop Mrs Eyoanwan Otu,  the Speaker of the State legislature, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, other key officials of the State legislature, Commissioners, and members of the State executive cabinet, notably, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Anthony Owan-eno, and the Chief of Staff, Hon. Emmanuel Ironbar. Other distinguished statesmen of Cross River origin, such as the former Military Administrator of Kwara State, Col. PAM Ogar (rtd.), former federal Minister Mr. Edem Duke, Chairman of the State Civil Service Commission, Sir Maurice Effiwat, and more than seven local government council chairmen, were also present, among others.

  • Governor Eno: My wife larger in death than alive 

    Governor Eno: My wife larger in death than alive 

    Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has expressed that the outpouring of affection from individuals and groups has made his late wife, Patience, more significant in death than she was in life.

    Governor Eno made the statement during a condolence visit by the College of Permanent Secretaries, led by the Dean, Mrs. Stella Etukakpan, at his family home in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.

    The governor acknowledged the immense tributes and love shown to his late wife, noting that her memory has grown even larger in death due to the outpouring support. He thanked the Permanent Secretaries for their heartfelt condolences and solidarity during this difficult time.

    He said: “On behalf of my family, I want to thank you the Permanent Secretaries for this visit . Honestly the outpour of this love we received has become a tonic to keep us. My wife has become larger in death than when she was alive. We thank you. 

    He appreciated the college for their dedication to duty, describing them as the engine of governance without which administration will halt and particularly appreciated them for bringing their wealth of experience to bear in the state administration . 

    The governor noted that twenty two Permanent Secretaries have been appointed and assured of more appointments before the end of the first quarter of next year to fill the existing vacancies in Ministries , Departments and Agencies, MDAs, and congratulated the college for producing a Judge in Equity.

    He announced a car gift to the Permanent Secretaries ,assuring that they will take delivery of the cars before the Christmas holiday and solicited their support in-service delivery and during the home going ceremonies in honour of his late wife culminating to the interment on the 29th of November. 

    “We are eternally grateful to you for your support at work . In one year we had twenty two Permanent Secretaries and we need more . I’m sure probably before the end of first quarter of next year , we are going to appoint some more to fill existing vacancies in the ministries. One of you has become a Judge in Equity so the college has produced a Judge . 

    “I’m sure very soon all of you will have brand new cars .The SSG has concluded on that . If you don’t get your cars before Christmas holiday hold the Accountant General responsible. 

    “We want to thank you seriously for the work you’re doing. Without you the engine of government will stop. Thank you for your understanding . Thank you for bringing your wealth of experience to bear . 

    “We are the temporal people and you’re the permanent people: we will come and go , you will remain so it’s that  experience that we rely on for guidance . I want to thank you. We trust that you will stand by us until we finally interred her on the 29th. Thank you so much and may God bless you,” he stated .

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    Earlier, Mrs Stella Etukakpan intimated the Governor that the news of the demise of the State’s First Lady was devastating to the College, hence their visit to identify with the first family in the trying moment. 

    He recalled that the deceased loved the Permanent Secretaries as depicted in her dealings with the College  especially the women which she showed deep concern towards their welfare and prayed God to grant the family fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

    On his part , the Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien, said that the State’s administrative team came to console the first family having been deeply touched by the sad demise of the Governor’s wife .

    Elder Essien assured the Governor that as the redeemer liveth his dear wife lives on and read from 2Corinthians 1:2-4 using it as a prayer point for the Governor and the first family .

  • Ibom Towers will create jobs, increase IGR, says Eno

    Ibom Towers will create jobs, increase IGR, says Eno

    Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has assured the citizens of the state that the flagged-off 18-storey Ibom Towers in the Lagos City center will open up new job opportunities, improve the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state and boost the economy.

    The governor said the project is expected to drive substantial revenue and boost the gross domestic product (GDP) of the two states providing the much-needed economic diversification.

    He said: “No nation or a subnational relies on one source of income – they must diversify the sources of their income, they must expand their portfolios. The Ibom Towers will help increase our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). It will raise our profile and a sense of identity; it will stand as an iconic reminder of the power of creative application of resources to yield the most benefits for the people.

    “While running for the office of governor, I had promised that we will look at alternate ways of investments and increasing our economic profile. This Towers whose ground-breaking ceremony we are performing today, will ensure we achieve that dream and keep working to advance the growth of our state and improve the material wellbeing of our people. That’s what they elected me to do, and that’s what I will continue to do as long as I remain the governor.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu, Eno lay 18-floor Ibom Towers foundation in Lagos

    “We will continue to build compassionate homes for the poorest and neediest, we will continue to provide food vouchers to the most vulnerable as a temporary measure to mitigate hunger while still encouraging our people to farm. We will continue to execute audacious projects such as the soon to be opened ARISE Park, which is primed to be a wonder in tourism, leisure and entertainment.

    “We will build more roads, work to remain an oasis of peace  and security where  our children  will continue to receive the best education that will make them competitive and ensure we have a healthy and agile population through such programsmes as the State Insurance Scheme, free ambulance services and primary healthcare facilities.

    We will develop our rural areas as a means of stemming rural-to urban migration.

     “Anytime leaders invest in forward-looking projects like this, there are challenges,but a leader must look into the future.

    “With Ibom Towers, both Akwa Ibom and Lagos are demonstrating how unity and vision can drive prosperity, marking a new era of economic innovation amid national economic downturn”.

    He further expressed gratitude for the partnership and his ties to Lagos, underscoring that the project represents the power of bipartisanship. This is the essence of bipartisanship; it should not be coloured by political affiliations.”

    Governor Eno expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu who was once the governor of Lagos State for his significant contributions to the development of state, emphasising the importance of patience during this period of reforms in Nigeria.

    “These changes may be painstaking, but they will bear fruit,” he assured.

     Located in the heart of Victoria Island, Ibom Towers will serve as an iconic structure aimed at boosting investments and economic ties, directly benefiting Lagos and Akwa Ibom states.

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu welcomed the development, highlighting Lagos’ longstanding role as Nigeria’s centre for commerce.

     “I look forward to seeing this relationship deepen, and who knows, maybe I’ll also invest in an oil well in Akwa Ibom,” he said, adding a light-hearted touch that underscored the states’ shared economic aspirations.

    The Managing Director, Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation (AKICORP), Imo-Abasi Jacob,   provided a detailed overview of Ibom Towers, describing it as a premium project designed to attract urban professionals.

    “Featuring upscale apartments, gyms, pools, and smart building technology, the tower will serve as both a luxury residence and a revenue generator, with income from property leases and tourism expected to enhance GDP growth for both states,” he said.

    In their separate goodwill messages, leaders from both states celebrated the impact of Ibom Towers on revenue and employment.

    The Oba of Oniru, Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal, expressed satisfaction in the project, assuring support and seeing it as a legacy of Lagos-Akwa Ibom cooperation.

    Similarly, His Eminence, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, President General, Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, stressed the value of the initiative in uplifting Akwa Ibom’s profile internationally and encouraged the involvement of young engineers from the state to gain hands-on experience.

    The Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, pledged legislative support, saying landmark projects like Ibom Towers elevate the state’s standing nationally.

     Former Governor, Obong Victor Attah commended the achievement, viewing it as the realisation of a vision to make Akwa Ibom a key player in real estate and economic growth. “This project represents the fulfillment of long-held aspirations for our state’s prosperity,” he said.

    Earlier, the Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah  said the state has been blessed with good leaders, adding that Governor Eno is expanding on the legacies of his predecessors.

  • Brotherly states

    Brotherly states

    It is what happens when ideas and humans conjoin. It is a pivotal example of brotherly states. Akwa Ibom Governor, Umo Eno came to Lagos for the groundbreaking event of an 18-story building. With him was the BOS of Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. It is a testament to the vision of the state of Akwa Ibom, and it is testament to the environment of prosperity created by Lagos. Wealth works with fertile minds, and the event only shows how two states can put things together for mutual glory.

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    They are not physical neighbours, but the best neighbours are in the heart, not heath. Governor Eno says he wants to grow the revenue base of his state. He chose right by investing in the gold standard in generating revenue. Governor Sanwo-Olu says, “it will serve as a beacon of alliance between Lagos and Akwa Ibom” in the world of business. This was a better fitting news for the BOS than a rancid rumour about a court case. That bad moment is now outside the radar. When water enters water, none can separate them. so, we don’t only have brotherly states, but more importantly, they are in a brotherly state.

  • Umo Eno, Sanwo-Olu, others seek women’s inclusion in governance

    Umo Eno, Sanwo-Olu, others seek women’s inclusion in governance

    Akwa Ibom state governor, Umo Eno, his Lagos state counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and other well-meaning Nigerians have called for more inclusion of women in governance to drive impactful enriching communities at all levels.

    Eno was the Guest of Honour at the opening of the 24th National Women’s Conference organised by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), held at the Eko Hotels and Suites.

    The conference was themed ‘Soar Beyond Boundaries…enrich communities’.

    According to Eno, it is expedient to factor women into the process of governance to ensure quick, positive, and visible results.

    The governor, represented by deputy governor, Akon Eyakenyi, described the conference as a confluence of cerebral minds that is forging ideas to expand the frontiers of development, especially on the home front.

    He said: “This platform has added more value to the policy of women’s inclusion and other gender-friendly initiatives of the government, and I am sure if their effort is well harnessed, women can deploy their full potential to achieve greatness.

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    “There is nothing strange about our challenges as a nation, we are just going through a phase which shall soon become history. What matters is the determination to forge ahead and make the right decisions, even when they initially seem unpalatable.

    “This conference holds a great promise for Nigeria, and my belief is that with gender equality, we can achieve more for our people, break more glass ceilings, and work towards a more gender-friendly governance.”

    The host, Governor Sanwo-Olu, promised that his administration will continue to provide templates that will empower women and make them more relevant in all spheres of government.

    Sanwo-Olu maintained that his administration is committed to serving Lagosians better, and will create more opportunities for women, youths and businesses where everyone can live their full potential in line with the THEMES PLUS developmental agenda of the government.

    He also solicited continued support for President Bola Tinubu as he steers the country towards a promised land, and admonished participants to take advantage of the conference to make positive changes in their lives as they shape the future of their communities with a sense of hope.

    COWLSO Chairman and wife of the governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, urged women to be selfless and push beyond boundaries so they can enrich their communities towards breaking barriers of gender imbalance.

    She noted that women make invaluable contributions across various sectors, and their influence is paramount in shaping a progressive and equitable world, ‘so priority must be accorded to their wellbeing’.

    “The objective of this annual conference is to frontally address various challenges facing women, empowering and supporting them to become independent while realising their full potentials, especially as women play crucial roles in modern society, serving as the bedrock of homes, families, organizations, and communities,” she added.

    Mrs. Sanwo-Olu added that in the last five years, the committee has impacted positively the lives of identified vulnerable persons and still working to engender change and positivism among women in the state.

  • LG poll: Controversy trails Gov Eno’s vice chairman slot for women in Akwa Ibom

    LG poll: Controversy trails Gov Eno’s vice chairman slot for women in Akwa Ibom

    Some aggrieved members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom state have opposed Governor Umo Eno’s decision to exclusively reserve vice chairmanship positions to women in the forthcoming council election.

    Eno had said that his administration would encourage women’s participation, saying that all local governments in the state must have a woman as vice chairman.

    The pronouncement has however provoked heated controversy and discontentment among PDP stalwarts, especially those who eyed the positions as compensation for loyalty and support for the party.

    A former state officer of the party, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the governor’s decision lacked democratic content and people’s consent.

    According to him, if the governor dictates to indigenes of local governments who should be their vice chairman, the party will suffer internal crises.

    A PDP youth leader from Eket local government, Tony Edoho, said the policy will expose the PDP to electoral misfortune.

    He said the vice chairmanship candidate, who is always the running mate to the chairman, has significant and critical roles, which can hardly be performed effectively by a woman.

    He said: “The chairman’s running mate represents his boss at all meetings in the day and night.  ‘You know in politics, sometimes emergencies come in the night or at modern places and times and this is not okay for women, especially married ones.

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    “The governor should have allowed the people to choose who they want. If they want women, he should allow them to choose the kind of woman, who will be able to mobilize support and do the job of a chairman’s running mate. This policy will create problems in some local governments.”

    However, a PDP chieftain and vice chairman of Nigeria Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Akwa Ibom chapter, ESV Kufre Ufot, described the development as encouraging.

    In his view, the idea will encourage the women and create a sense of belonging among them.

    He advised the party to see the development as political innovation and functional inclusiveness that will boost democratic ideals in the PDP and the body polity at large.

  • Eno declares work-free days, approves another N2billion for gratuities

    Eno declares work-free days, approves another N2billion for gratuities

    Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno has declared every first and third Friday of the month as work- free days to enable workers effectively engage in farming activities.

    Eno made the declaration at the 2024 May Day celebration at the Uyo Township Stadium, Uyo with the theme: “People first.”

    He noted since the assumption of office, the government has made efforts to prioritise the welfare of workers, adding that his administration will continue to take care of workers’ welfare.

    Eno said that N16.1 billion has so far been released for the payment of arrears of gratuity and ordered immediate release of N2bn to further defray the backlog of gratuity to retired workers in the State, bringing the total amount paid so far, by his administration to N18.1 billion.

    He appreciated the Organised Labour for the good working relationship saying, “in the course of our successful campaign, I made a pledge to continue to strengthen the cords  of our relationship and I make bold to say that almost one year after, I have kept our promise. We’ve even exceeded your expectations.

    “Let me also use this opportunity to thank the organized labour for your massive support during the March 18th elections, and that support made me stand here today as elected Governor of this State. We will continue to do our best to ensure that workers’ welfare receives priority attention.

    “Today, I believe we have fulfilled some of those promises. As of today, we’ve disbursed over 16.1 billion Naira gratuities to our workers. Today, I am approving another 2 billion Naira for payment of gratuities across board for the month of April.

    “We will continue to monitor this payment, we will continue to audit this payment, and we will continue to ensure that this payment gets to the right people. please keep us informed when you notice that things are not going in the right direction.

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    “We have approved and granted refund of outstanding N7.5% contributory pension scheme, we have paid 3 months promotions, we have released 2023 promotions, we granted approval for the conduct of service examination, we have invested in affordable housing unit for our workers in Ibiono Ibom Local Government.

    “I have authorised and work is ongoing at the 3rd Ring Road so that we can link our workers there to Uyo. We have approved your land allocations, and so you can begin your building at any time. We recently swore in Permanent Secretaries, and we would appoint more as some are soon to retire.      

     “Of course, the 13 months’ salary is ongoing. We have approved the recruitment of health workers in the State for the Primary health centres,” he added.

    On minimum wage for workers;  he said: “We will wait on the federal government to provide more details and we will implement the new minimum wage for our workers.

    “For the Bulk Purchase Agency, it is a short-term intervention. For a more sustainable solution, we must go back to the farm, working with the Ministry of Agriculture. I am therefore declaring the first and last Friday of every month Farm days in the State. It won’t be a day for funerals. We will monitor to ensure everyone goes to the farm.”

  • Gov Eno meets A’Ibom traditional rulers

    Gov Eno meets A’Ibom traditional rulers

    Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno has hosted traditional rulers drawn across the local government areas of the state to find lasting solutions to the lingering issue arising from the amended State Traditional Rulers’ Law.

    In an atmosphere of peace and unity, the Governor thanked the paramount rulers and assured them of his government’s readiness to work with them to find a lasting solution to the matter.

    He said: “I thank you most sincerely for heeding my call. It is through your support and the support of all Akwaibomites that I was elected to this office. 

    “I always pray that God will help me to always do my best to satisfy the majority of Akwa Ibom people.

    “I have gone to Ibibio, Annang and Oro lands to sue for peace on this issue and let me thank Barrister Ekpenyong Ntekim for accepting to cooperate with us to resolve this matter out of court.

    “The position of everyone from your submissions, is that you have all agreed on the principle of rotation for the position of the President-General of Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers.

    “We won’t want to meddle into this issue involving our revered traditional fathers. That is why we are setting up a 7- man Committee drawn from this revered body to make recommendations concerning the mode or structure of the rotation and submit the conclusions to us, in two weeks. 

    “We will thereafter, send the recommendations to the State House of Assembly for further considerations”, the Governor said. 

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    There was a spirit of unanimity in the Chamber on the constitution of the committee by the Governor, as expressed by the following Paramount Rulers: Edidem (Prof.) Amanam Udo, Paramount Ruler of Etim Ekpo and Owong Okon Abang, Paramount Ruler of Mbo as well as Edidem Clement Francis Ekpenyong of Ibesikpo Asutan, who all spoke in total support of the setting up of the committee, on behalf of their colleagues. 

    In his speech, the Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, Odidem Bassey Etim Edet, thanked the Governor for the excellent manner he has handled the matter and supported the idea of a committee to look into the issue as proposed by the Governor. 

    Also speaking, the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President General of Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, His Eminence, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, CFR, also sued for peace, emphasizing that, “we are all bound by the same cords of unity. It is not about me; it is about the unity and peace of our dear State. 

    “I am an in- law in Annang land, and my son is married in Udung Uko Local Government Area, in Oro land. We are all one and we must embrace peace for our State to progress”, he said, while expressing support for the committee.

    In his vote of thanks, Barr. Ekpenyong Ntekim a Counsel to some Royal Father who had initially instituted a court action on the issue, described Governor Umo Eno as a man of peace.

    He thanked the Governor for his ingenuity in setting up the committee and expressed his support, stating that it represents the best way to resolve the lingering issue. 

    This position was also echoed by the State Attorney General, Mr Uko Udom, SAN. 

    The members of the constituted 7-Man Committee are: 

    1. HRM Edidem Etim Charles Daniel Abia,FCA, Paramount Ruler of Eket – Chairman

    2. HRM Edidem (Dr.) Edet Akpan Inyang, Paramount Ruler of Itu- Member

    3. Edidem(Prof.) Amanam Akpanudo Uko, Paramount Ruler of Etim Ekpo, Member

    4. HRM Akuku Okon Udo Ukut, Paramount Ruler of Ikot Ekpene LGA, Member

    5. HRM Owong Okon Asukwo Abang, Paramount Ruler of Mbo LGA, Member

    6. HRM Edidem Ita Edet Okokon, Paramount Ruler of Okobo LGA, Member

    7. HRM Okuku (Dr.) Ime Udousoro Inyang,JP, Paramount Ruler of Ibiono Ibom LGA, Member;  while Dr. Emmanuel Umontuen, Secretary, Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers Council, wil function as the Committee Secretary

    Others present at the meeting were the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Udeme Otong, the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Director General of Government Business, Chief Assam Assam,SAN, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Frank Archibong, and the Political Adviser to the Governor, Prince ( Dr.) Godwin Ntukudeh.

  • A Pastor and Politician

    A Pastor and Politician

    Pastors in politics ought to learn from Umo Eno, the governor of Akwa Ibom State. He does not belong to that band of fanatics who weaponize God for division, or for feisty rhetoric of hate.

    Hear him: ““I am a pastor trained to respect people and we must continue to show that all-important character of humility, of compassion and of respect to constituted authority. Even though a PDP, he urges civility in addressing the president.

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    He was addressing defectors from APC, YPP and other parties who moved to his PDP. He let them know that a pastor is an attitude, not a position. It is a burden of immense gratitude to those who have the privilege. The same labour of love he has shown in the shower of palliatives to the needy.

    This is an indictment of some candidates who thought God was a platform for partisan posturing. Governor Umo is not only a model governor, but in doing that he is also a model pastor. The scriptures say, “let your  light so shine before men that they may glorify your father who is in heaven.” Governor Umo’s light is not under the bushel.