The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has called on citizens to rise above political and social divisions, embrace forgiveness, and commit to building a united State.
Governor Eno who made the call during the 38th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service of state creation, held at the International Christian Worship Centre, Uyo, urged the people to forgive one another and eschew unnecessary acrimony capable of truncating the peace and unity of the State.
“Let’s come together in love, forgive one another and let us move together. Let us plan and work for the common good of our State. That is my earnest desire. When I see people come together like this, irrespective of political parties, it gives me joy. Every patriotic citizen should be interested in the State,show some patriotism. That is what I think this unity is about.
“Let us rise above ethnicity. This is a clarion call; “Rise above Ethnicity,” rise above parochialism, hatred, deep seated hatred. You will not have any other state apart from this one. We have only one united Akwa Ibom. I took over a united State of Akwa Ibom, and such shall I handover, nothing shall divide us,” he said.
The Governor lauded past leaders for their contributions to the State’s development, stressing that Akwa Ibom people must “remain united, avoid a fighting spirit, and bond together in love, noting that they have no other State outside Akwa Ibom.
Governor Eno commended the great sense of unity, maturity and understanding shown by the leadership of the various political parties in the State, and also appreciated past leaders and stakeholders for turning up for the event.
He thanked the people for their steadfastness, support and unwavering belief in the State to achieve greater impact and reminded the people of the ongoing INEC voters’ registration, urging them to get registered in readiness for the elections when the time comes.
Delivering a sermon, Archbishop Emmah Isong underscored the importance of unity and respect for authority, warning that “pulling down the head can only bring down the structure nothing that there can only be one head at a time.
In his goodwill message on behalf of former Governors of the state, Col. Yakubu Bako (Rtd), felicitated the State for the 38th anniversary, saying Akwa Ibom is one of the few states that have established continuity in leadership, and commended Governor Eno for maintaining same.
He also commended all past leaders and especially the incumbent, Governor Eno for contributing their quota to the development of the state,which, he said, has been transformed from a glorified local government to a destination of choice for Nigerians.
The Akwa Ibom State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Dr. Christian Nyong, lauded the Governor’s partnership with the church under the theme “Stronger as One,” while Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Obong Emem Ekperikpe Ekpo, described Eno as a man of peace and rallied support for his second-term ambition, drawing a resounding “Yes” from the congregation.
