Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has warned socio-cultural and socio-political groups against using their platforms to promote tribalism, ethnic rivalry and division, declaring that any group found violating the directive will be disbanded.
Governor Eno gave the warning during a special interdenominational Thanksgiving service marking the 39th anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State, held at the International Christian Worship Center, Uyo.
The Governor said the peace, unity and brotherhood enjoyed in the State remained among its most valuable achievements and must not be sacrificed for political, ethnic or religious differences.
Governor Eno, urged the people to place the interest of Akwa Ibom above temporary political differences, stressing that political power and office were transient, while the State would remain.
“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,” Governor Eno said.
The Governor cautioned that the forthcoming political transition should not become a source of hatred or division, noting that political office would change hands, but Akwa Ibom would remain.
He also appealed to socio-cultural and socio-political groups to deploy their platforms towards promoting unity, cooperation and development rather than ethnic sentiments.
Turning to political rhetoric, Governor Eno said politicians should focus on issues and the future of the State rather than spreading allegations.
He stated that he had not reported any individual to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, since assuming office, and appealed to political actors to maintain respect for past leaders.
Governor Eno also defended his decision to support a progressive political movement, describing it as a visionary step taken in the interest of the State.
Ahead of the forthcoming elections, the Governor urged candidates and voters to remember that political authority ultimately comes from God, charging all stakeholders to conduct themselves responsibly.
He expressed gratitude to God for the 39-year journey of Akwa Ibom and acknowledged the contributions of successive leaders to the State’s development.
Governor Eno also commended stakeholders who had supported the administration in commissioning some of the 39 projects lined up to commemorate the anniversary.
Speaking 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 genuine thanksgiving to God could usher individuals and communities into greater blessings.
Bishop Abioye described the 39th anniversary as significant in preparing the State for its 40th anniversary, identifying inspiring vision, sound planning, sustained unity, stakeholder cooperation, the fear of God and love for God as essential ingredients for greater development.
In a remark, the Akwa Ibom State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Bishop Christian Nyong, thanked God for the State’s blessings and commended Governor Eno for his development initiatives.
Bishop Nyong called for continued peace and adherence to Christian values, particularly as the 2027 elections approach, urging political actors and citizens to play by the rules.
The anniversary service featured praise and worship, choir ministrations, prayers and a Bible reading from Psalm 103:1-5 by the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno-Obareki.
Among those present were former military administrators of the State, Group Captain John Ebiye (rtd.) and Colonel Yakubu Bako (rtd.), Reverend Simeon Afolabi, and popular Nigerian gospel singer and trumpeter, Nathaniel Bassey.