Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has warned political and socio-cultural groups against actions capable of aggravating ethnic tensions and undermining the peace in the state as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
Eno issued the warning on Sunday during a special inter-denominational service marking the 39th anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State, stressing that political differences should not be allowed to destroy the relationships that bind the people together.
The governor said the peace and unity enjoyed in the state remained among the most valuable achievements of his administration and urged political actors to recognise the danger of actions capable of heating up the polity.
“Our peace is priceless, our unity is priceless. Let us protect it,” Eno said.
He specifically cautioned socio-cultural organisations against allowing their platforms to become vehicles for ethnic rivalry, naming groups including Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Ati Annang and Esu Nlap Oro as part of the broader social structure that must work to preserve peace in the state.
“No political group or socio-cultural group should be used to promote ethnic rivalry. Please, don’t join those who promote division,” he appealed.
Eno further warned that organisations found using their platforms to undermine the peace and unity of the state would face consequences, declaring that any socio-political group that persisted in promoting division would be disbanded.
The governor also urged political actors to develop the capacity to identify and prevent situations capable of escalating into crisis, saying responsible leadership required taking preventive measures before tensions degenerated.
“You must see when trouble is coming and avoid it. That is what leadership entails,” he said.
His remarks came against the backdrop of increasing political realignments in the state ahead of the 2027 elections. Eno said movement from one political party to another should not become a justification for conflict, stressing that political affiliations were temporary while Akwa Ibom remained the common home of its people.
He also dismissed allegations that his administration had been responsible for reporting individuals to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, saying he had not reported anyone to the anti-graft agency since assuming office.
According to him, the allegation was made by a person who lacked knowledge of the facts, while he criticised what he described as the reduction of governance to “touting behaviour.”
The governor, who described September as a month of gratitude, also highlighted some of the interventions of his administration, including the construction of ARISE Compassionate Homes for vulnerable residents.
He said although some critics might regard the homes as insignificant, their value should be measured by the difference they had made in the lives of the beneficiaries.
At the service, the guest speaker, Bishop David Abioye, described Akwa Ibom as one of Nigeria’s progressive states, noting that successive administrations had continued to build on the foundations laid by their predecessors.
“This is one of the most progressive States in Nigeria. I’ve observed that, in spite of politics, this is one State that keeps building on the master plan from one governor to the other,” Abioye said.
Drawing his message from Psalm 105:1-5, the cleric prayed for continued progress in Akwa Ibom and described the 39th anniversary as a period of transition and preparation for a greater phase of development.
“I see a greater Akwa Ibom, and it shall come to pass,” he declared.
The inter-denominational service, held as part of activities marking the state’s 39th anniversary, featured prayers for the state and its leaders, praise and worship, musical ministrations and special intercessions
