Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, says the direct primaries conducted by the ruling party have reinforced the importance of grassroots politics and the need for continuous investment in rural communities.
Speaking on lessons drawn from the exercise, Governor Eno said the primaries had demonstrated clearly that “politics is local,” stressing that leaders must remain connected to their people beyond election periods.
He noted that the overwhelming turnout witnessed at the ward level was a reflection of his administration’s deliberate commitment to carrying the grassroots along through inclusive governance and people-oriented development programmes.
The Governor reaffirmed that rural development remains a major priority of his administration, emphasizing that communities at the grassroots require basic infrastructure and social amenities such as roads, markets, potable water, schools and healthcare facilities to thrive economically and socially.
According to him, the administration has continued to implement several grassroots-focused initiatives across the 329 wards of the state, including cooperative support schemes for women, provision of boreholes, construction of compassionate homes, schools and health centres.
Governor Eno dismissed criticisms suggesting that his administration was inactive, insisting that governance under his leadership has been driven by constant work and service delivery across the state.
He explained that one of his earliest decisions in office was the appointment of ward aides in all 329 wards to deepen inclusivity and strengthen grassroots representation in governance.
The Governor further disclosed that youth development centres are being established across the 31 local government areas, with the first set for commissioning in Oron. He added that the centres would serve as digital innovation hubs where young people would receive Microsoft certification training and gain opportunities to work remotely in the global digital economy.
Governor Eno maintained that while urban development remains important, rural communities must not be neglected because they form the foundation of political leadership and democratic participation.
He said the direct primaries had once again shown that regardless of status or influence, every politician ultimately returns to the people at the grassroots, stressing that sustained rural development and inclusivity remain essential for enduring political stability and progress.
By; Ikechukwu Agbamegbue, Uyo.
