“You Have a Good Governor," Tinubu Tells Akwa Ibom Stakeholders
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for his leadership and dedication to the state’s development.
“You have a very good governor—one who fears God and genuinely loves his people,” President Tinubu said while receiving a 104-member delegation from Akwa Ibom at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday. The delegation was led by Governor Eno and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The high-powered delegation comprised political, traditional, and religious leaders, as well as former ministers, lawmakers, and representatives of youth and women groups, showcasing a rare display of unity across party lines.
A key highlight of the visit was the conferment of Akwa Ibom’s highest traditional title, Otuekong (Commander-in-Chief of Akwa Ibom State), on President Tinubu. The honour was bestowed by the state’s traditional rulers, led by the Oku Ibom Ibibio III, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk.
President Tinubu warmly received the recognition and reflected on his personal connection to Akwa Ibom, recalling his time in Eket as a staff of Mobil Producing Nigeria. He emphasized the need for political leaders to prioritize national development over party affiliations, stating that Nigeria’s full potential could only be achieved through unity and collective effort.
“I have just signed the 2025 budget. I am happy that the uncertainty over the economy is fading, and hope is rising,” he said. “Thank you for always standing by us. We must work together to build the nation.”
Governor Eno, in his remarks, presented his 20-month scorecard to the President and highlighted key development requests. These included Federal support for the Ibom Deep Seaport project; and Intervention in ecological challenges affecting the state; An invitation for the President to commission the Arise Resorts and key road projects in May 2025.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio praised Governor Eno for fostering peace and unity in Akwa Ibom, expressing his delight at the spirit of collaboration on display.
“Words will fail me if I am to describe how elevated I feel today. This is the first time the blue and white have come together. I come from home, and I can see my people,” Akpabio said. “Akwa Ibom has demonstrated the brotherhood we stand for, and it is the governor that has made this possible.”
He assured President Tinubu of the state’s full support for his administration and pledged that Akwa Ibom’s political leadership would continue working toward reconciliation and cooperation.
The delegation included: Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Helen Eno-Obareki; Immediate past Governor Udom Emmanuel; Present and former members of the National Assembly; Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Udeme Otong; Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Obong Emem Ekperikpe Ekpo.
Others were State Chairmen of the PDP and APC, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Akpan and Hon. Stephen Ntukekpo; Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah; Members of the State Executive Council; Representatives from federal boards and commissions; and Religious leaders and royal fathers.
SOURCE: THISDAY LIVE
