Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, and Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, have called on political leaders and residents to reject divisive rhetoric and sustain peace, unity and peaceful coexistence in the state.
The call was made during the reception of Ibom Air’s brand-new Airbus A220-300 at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, where both leaders stressed that political differences should not be allowed to undermine the collective interest of Akwa Ibom.
Governor Eno said recent divisive rhetoric in the state was unnecessary, insisting that unity and peaceful coexistence remained fundamental principles of his administration.
He urged political leaders to rise above ethnic sentiments, recalling the historical efforts of the state’s founding fathers to build a united Akwa Ibom.
“As a government, let me make it clear that we will not allow anyone or group of persons to bring division into our state.”
The Governor said the state’s development must be shared across all communities and local government areas, stressing that the 39 projects being commissioned to mark the state’s 39th anniversary were spread across the state.
He maintained that Akwa Ibom people, irrespective of where they come from, remain one people with a common destiny.
“From Oron to Eastern Obolo to wherever, we are all one people.”
Governor Eno also used the presence of the Senate President at the aircraft reception to underscore what he described as a strong demonstration of political solidarity.
He thanked Akpabio for travelling to Uyo specifically to receive the aircraft and return to Abuja, saying the gesture demonstrated that political office holders could work together for the benefit of the state.
The Governor appealed to the Senate President to continue using his position at the national level to attract opportunities, investments and jobs to Akwa Ibom.
He said collaboration between the state and federal leadership could provide more opportunities for women, youths and other residents.
For Senate President Akpabio, the relationship between the Governor and the Senate President must not be defined by rivalry.
Drawing from the political history of neighbouring Cross River State, he recalled periods when disagreements between state governors and Senate Presidents created prolonged rancour.
Akpabio said he had deliberately chosen a different path by working with Governor Eno rather than engaging in confrontation.
“As Senate President, instead of fighting, I will collaborate with my state. I will join hands with the Governor to continue to make this state prosper.”
He said his experience of history had convinced him that political leaders should use their positions to promote development rather than division.
Akpabio commended Governor Eno for sustaining projects inherited from previous administrations and said such continuity was essential to the state’s progress.
He described Akwa Ibom as an example to Nigeria in unity, development and progress, urging residents to appreciate the peace and stability that have enabled the state to attract major investments and execute development projects.
The two leaders’ call for unity came against the backdrop of the state’s 39th anniversary celebrations, which Governor Eno said was being observed as a period of gratitude for the founding fathers, past leaders and the people of Akwa Ibom.
Both leaders maintained that political differences should not be allowed to destroy the state’s collective aspirations, with the Governor declaring that Akwa Ibom must remain united in the pursuit of peace, progress and development.
