Aniefiok Chrsitopher
Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has vowed to disband any socio-cultural group and other stakeholders in the state from using their platforms to promote tribal tension and rivalry.
Speaking on Sunday, September 20, 2026 at the special inter-denominational service to mark the 39th anniversary of the State’s creation, held at the International Christian Worship Center, Uyo, the Governor sued for continuous peace and unity across the state.
Recall that Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio had criticised Oron-speaking people for unleashing attacks on the leader of the Ekid People’s Union, Dr. Samuel Udonsak, for exposing the antics by the Oro people to secure the creation of Oro-Obolo State from some parts of Akwa Ibom.
Eno noted that the peace and unity enjoyed in the State must not be taken for granted, saying, “Of all the achievements we have recorded in this State, there is one of them that must not be taken for granted. It is called peace. Our peace is priceless, our unity is priceless, and brotherhood is priceless, let us protect them.
“Political differences must never become personal hatred, ethnic differences must never become division, and religious differences must never become hostility. We may disagree and still love one another. We may belong to different political parties and still belong to one Akwa Ibom; because when the politics is over, Akwa Ibom would remain.
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‘‘When political office would change hand in 2031, Akwa Ibom would still remain. Therefore, let’s put our State above our temporary differences,” he added.
He appealed to the socio-cultural and socio-political groups to desist from using their platforms to promote division, but promote unity to enhance progress and growth.
The Governor also used the occasion to clarify that he has never reported anyone to any anti-graft agency, stressing that political actors should tone down on political rhetorics, and focus on issues and the future of Akwa Ibom State.
“I want to say on this altar of the living God that since I got into governance, I have not reported one soul to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, not one and I don’t intend to do so because there is nothing to report.
‘‘So, when people don’t have anything to say, and said that I reported my predecessor to the EFCC, the person has not solution, no clue about governance. Don’t allow people tell you lies, we will continue to respect our leaders, and the culture of respect is part of me,” he said.
He reiterated that his decision to make a progressive movement for enlightened state interest should be commended for being visionary considering the present political circumstances in the country.
The Governor advised candidates of the different political parties in the forthcoming election as well as the electorate to know that, “All power belongs to God and He gives it to whoever He willeth.”
He expressed gratitude to God for the journey of the State so far, and the blessings of a succession of good leaders who have all been committed to good governance, progress and development.
Governor Eno commended some critical stakeholders who have assisted him to commission some of the 39 projects slated for commissioning during the anniversary month.
Preaching on the theme: Preparation of Akwa Ibom for the season of milk and honey with thanksgiving, drawn from Psalm 103:1-3, the Presiding Bishop of Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly, Bishop David Abioye, said sincere thanksgiving to God brings great wonders to an individual or a people.
Bishop Abioye noted that the 39th anniversary of the State was quite significant as it would prepare grounds for the 40th.
He highlighted some essential ingredients that would enable the State to attain greater height such as: inspiring vision, wise planning, continuous promotion of unity, co-operation of stakeholders, people working in the fear of the Lord, and loving God.
In his remarks, the State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Christian Nyong appreciated God for His numerous blessings upon the State at 39, the gift of Governor Umo Eno and his development strides.
He urged everyone to remain peaceful, in tandem with Christian teachings especially as the 2027 elections approaches, stressing on the need to play by the rules.
The service featured sessions of praises, worship, choir ministrations, prayers, and a Bible reading from Palm 103:1-5, taken by the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno-Obareki.
At the service were; the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong; former military head of state, Group Captain John Ebiye (rtd), and Col. Yakubu Bako (rtd), Rev. Simeon Afolabi, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; the Executive Assistant/ Chief Delivery Adviser to the Governor, Mr Aniefiok Johnson.
Others were the wife of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Lady Esitmbom Ekpo; popular Nigerian singer and trumpeter, Pastor Nathaniel Bassey; members of the State Executive Council; political stalwarts; members of the clergy; royal fathers, captains of industry and others.
