Muslims and non-indigenes of Akwa Ibom have described Pastor Umo Eno as a detribalised and peace loving Nigerian with the right character to serve the state.
At a dinner organised by the state Peoples Democratic Party governorship aspirant for the Muslim leaders and some members of the Arewa community, after breaking Ramadan fasting, they applauded Pastor Eno for his role over the years in providing a nexus for non-indigenes in the state.
The delegation, led by the Chairman of the Muslim community in Akwa Ibom, Alhaji Hassan Sadauki and the Chairman of Arewa Community in the State, Mr Emmanuel Ogbole, thanked Umo Eno for always hosting the Muslims to show that Nigerians irrespective of tribe and religions should always strive for peace and love.
Alhaji Hassan, the overall heads of Muslims in Akwa Ibom, along with all Imams in the state said Pastor Umo, a former Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, has fought to maintain the peaceful coexistence of Nigerians.
Read also: 2023: Akwa Ibom NASS Caucus Endorses Umo Eno for PDP Gov race
The Imam of Eket, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq, maintained that the event was not a campaign strategy, but a exercise the Governorship aspirant has been doing for several years.
“Sir, we thank you for always being supportive and may God provide for you. Even when you were not occupying any position, you catered for us. Our prayer is that God will use your kind gestures to uplift you,” he prayed.
Hassan recalled that in the last couple of years, Pastor Eno has been hosting Muslims, including the ones attended by former military administrator of the sate, Col. Yakubu Bako (retired).
“As the leader of the Muslim community, I had to come personally to thank you for being a good brother and tell people why they should be closer to you.
“It is not by accident that we are here. We have seen you as someone who loves to be kind, and who would always carry everyone along.
“With the present circumstances on ground, we can tell you that we share in your aspiration.
“I will reach out to all my fellow Muslims. You have been very pivotal to bringing us closer to this administration and we will never forget your good gestures,” Hassan said.
Also speaking, Mr Emmanuel Ogbole, Special Assistant to the Governor on Projects, said the PDP governorship aspirant has shown great leadership traits.
“Since 1997, I have known Pastor Umo Eno as a man of capacity. I know he has the capacity to take this state forward. People refer to me as ‘Owo Umo Eno,’ but I support him because he is a detribalised Nigerian.
“This is a man that does not discriminate. Even as a Pastor he reaches out to non- Muslims and shows that he is a man of character,’’ Ogbole, also the Chairman of Arewa Community in Akwa Ibom, noted.
He thanked Governor Udom Emmanuel for the peace and tranquility that have enabled them do their businesses without squabbles, and expressed belief that Pastor Umo Eno will sustain the peace for them to continue doing their businesses peacefully.
Responding, the host Pastor Umo Eno said his background in the military barracks exposed him to cohabitate peacefully with others.
While arguing that he has no room to discriminate, Pastor Eno who turned 58 same day, recalled that the former Governor Yakubu Bako, a non-Akwa Ibomite, was behind securing the location of his business facility.
“I always benefit from your prayers and I will continue to solicit that we all pray that Akwa Ibom will remain peaceful,” he added.
