Israel Umoh
Despite lingering court hurdles, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken over the baton of office as the fourth democratically elected governor since 1999 to man the affairs of Akwa Ibom for the next four years.
Eno from Ikot Ekpene Udo in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State took over from Udom Emmanuel who ruled Akwa Ibom State from 2015 to 2023.
During the swearing in ceremony, Mrs Ekaette Obot, Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State administered oath of office to him flanked by his wife, Patience at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, the Akwa Ibom capital on Monday, May 29.
He signed dotted lines to serve as state governor at 1.30 p.m. before the chief judge witnessed by other red-robbed judges and dignitaries in the magnificent stadium.
Already, the Federal Government had declared the day as public holiday to mark the passing of power from incumbent to the new administration both at the Federal and state levels in Nigeria.
Clad in Italian suit with white collar on his neck, Eno wore a pair of dark Goggle glass to match.
Earlier, the Chief Judge had administered oath of office to Senator Akon Eyakenyi as the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom.
Recall that Mr Eno won in 29 of the 31 local government areas in the state with a total of 354,348 votes to defeat his top challenger, Senator Bassey Albert Akpan of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), who won in two local governments areas – Ibiono Ibom and Ikono by scoring 136,262 votes.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Mr. Akanimo Udofia, came third with 129,602 votes.
The candidates of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator John James Akpanudoedehe and Labour Party, Uduakobong Peter Udo scored 12,509 and 4,746 votes respectively.
The immediate past governor of the state, Emmanuel together with wife joined a well-decorated open van escorted by some security operatives round the stadium to finally bid the people goodbye.
