By Aniefiok Christopher
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has hailed Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno for his peaceful and unifying leadership disposition in the state.
Addressing a mammoth crowd of party faithful at Utu Etim Ekpo Township Stadium, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area on Friday, January 23, Senator Akpabio, who is a former Governor of the State described Governor Eno as an exceptional bridge builder and unifier.
“My Governor, you are indeed a practical man of peace and reconciliation. Your visionary and impactful leadership is truly phenomenal, and I am very proud of you,” he said.
He commended Governor Eno for reconciling Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN and his brothers in the APC, reiterating that “meaningful development and progress of the people could only take place in an atmosphere of peace and unity.”
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Senator Akpabio delightfully welcomed Barr. Enoidem, former National Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN to the APC, describing him as a man of impressive capacity and impact.
“This is reconnecting me to one of my political mentees. Barr. Enoidem represents hardwork, steadfastness, and excellent service. His return to us means huge peace and progress in Etim Ekpo and Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District,” he said.
In his remarks, Governor Eno thanked Senator Akpabio for honouring the day’s event to ensure that peace and togetherness reign in the Senatorial District.
According to the Governor, “Our success today would not have been possible if not for the fatherly love and care of Senator Godswill Akpabio.
“I must also appreciate the liberal mindedness and concern of Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem to bring lasting peace and unity amongst his people for the overall good of the State,” he added.
Also speaking, Barr. Enoidem commended the Governor for the hard work and unyielding reconciliatory spirit, which, according to him, was responsible for the day’s accomplishment.
He expressed happiness to be reconciled with his former boss, Senator Akpabio, stressing that everything works for the growth and betterment of the area, the Senatorial District and the State as a whole.
Earlier, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Stephen Ntukekpo, had noted with admiration the reconciliatory and uniting efforts of both the Governor and the Senate President towards sustainable peace, unity, growth and progress of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District in particular and the State in general.
Chief Ntukekpo, after extolling Barr. Enoidem for his exemplary maturity and love for meaningful peace and unity amongst his people, decorated him with the insignia of the APC to officially receive him into the party as a bonafide member.
Welcoming the people, the Chairman of Etim Ekpo, Hon. Gideon Uwa, thanked Governor Eno for being a unifying force and bridge builder whose leadership style has saved Etim Ekpo from unnecessary political clashes.
He noted that through reconciliation and trajectory of reunion among political stakeholders of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, a gesture he described as an evidence of his humble, godly and selfless disposition, Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District and the State as a whole has become one united family.
Hon. Uwa described the Senate President as a beacon of hope and pride to Akwa Ibom people, and expressed gratitude to his political mentor, Barr. Enoidem whose counsel, he noted, has helped him excel politically.
In their separate remarks, the Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong; the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo; Amb. Assam Assam, Chairman, National Assembly Service Commission, Hon. Dr. Saviour Enyiekere, State woman leader of the APC, and Etim Ekpo Chapter Chairman among others, expressed gratitude to God for bringing peace to Etim Ekpo ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
They thanked the Senate President for shelving other important national engagements to receive Barr. Enoidem into the APC, for his fatherly role and leadership quality which, according to them, have reminded Akwa Ibom people of great human value and love for one another.
They also congratulated Governor Eno for his visionary and sacrificial leadership aimed at uniting and bringing development to the State, and saluted Barr. Enoidem for choosing the path of peace, unity and development over bitterness and political sentiments.
Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Governor Umo Eno during Barr. Enoidem’s defection to APC
Equally in attendance to witness the historic event were the State Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; members of the State Executive Council; members of the National Assembly and the State House of Assembly; political stalwarts; captains of industry; Royal Fathers; and general public.
I am very empty without you, says Enoidem
‘‘Umo Eno sent me a text message that gave me sleepless nights, told me he is empty without me.’’
Enoidem spoke this during a late night pre-defection meeting at the Shelter Afrique residence of Sen. Godswill Akpabio on Thursday, 22 January, 2026.
“I remember very well when he told he was going to APC, the governor did not rest. At every point he sees me whether in church or any event, he will tell me my brother, I am very empty without you.
“On the 9th of January, the governor sent me a text message that kept me awake for three different days. For three different days I couldn’t sleep because of that particular text message. I told him I want to pray for 3 days. That he should wait for that 3 days to come. He stormed my house with leaders of Akwa Ibom State that we used to work together for him. That night, it was impossible for me to say no to the governor. And that has given birth to this meeting today,” he added.
