Senate President Godswill Akpabio has publicly declared his full support for the re-election of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, describing him as a man of peace and development. Speaking on Friday during a visit to the palace of the Oku Ibom Ibibio, Akpabio said he was committed to ensuring unity and progress in the state.
The Senate President, who was warmly received by the leadership of the Ibibio Traditional Council, explained that his visit was aimed at strengthening reconciliation and fostering peace among the people. He noted that the process would further cement the existing harmony that followed Governor Eno’s recent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Let me assure you that I will support him 100 per cent to succeed as a second-term governor,” Akpabio said. “Don’t listen to nay-sayers and blackmailers. We are solidly behind him, and that was why immediately he joined the APC, I personally handed over the structure of the party in the state to him, because when I was the governor, I controlled the structure. I will continue to work for the peace, unity, and development of Akwa Ibom State.”
Responding, the Oku Ibom Ibibio, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, expressed joy at receiving Akpabio at the palace, describing him as a son of the soil who has brought pride to the people. The monarch acknowledged the Senate President’s achievements and reaffirmed his place in the hearts of the Ibibio people despite political controversies.
“I am delighted to have you and your colleagues in this palace. You have come to pay homage to your fathers here. We know you. We know who Godswill Obot Akpabio is. We testify that we know who you are. If we don’t know who you are, it therefore means we are not yours,” the monarch said.
“As a king, I know every one of my children. I know the good and I know the bad ones, but the good and the bad should stay together with the hope that they will change for good in the future. As a child of grace, we have seen where grace has led you,” Etuk added.
The event underscored growing political unity within Akwa Ibom State following Governor Eno’s move to the APC, with Akpabio emphasizing collaboration over rivalry in advancing the state’s development and cohesion.
