PDP, APC on Banquet Tables As Governor Eno Marks two Years in office
Idongesit Ashameri, Uyo
Indications are that Governor Eno, who has been rumored to be considering a switch from PDP to APC, may have bridged the gap between the two parties with his inclusive leadership style.
In a rare display of bipartisanship, leaders from both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) came together to celebrate with Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on his two-year anniversary in office.
The unusual gathering, which took place during a state banquet to mark the Governor’s second term in office at Government House Uyo, Thursday night, saw members of both political parties put aside their differences to celebrate Governor Eno’s achievements.
In their separate remarks, Senator Ekong Sampson, Senator Effiong Bob of the PDP, former deputy Governor, Obong Nsima Ekere of the APC,
State chairmen of the PDP, APC, as well as Chairman of the Inter Party Advisory not only congratulate the Governor but unanimously endorsed him for a second term in office
Addressing his 2nd year Anniversary Banquet Governor Umo Eno said; “We can stay in one roof, we can discuss together, we can all contribute to governance.”
The Governor who cited peace and unity as his greatest achievements in office during the last two years attributed the unprecedented peace experienced in the state to God’s grace and the cooperation of the people.
“For me, the greatest achievement is not in all those things you saw in the documentary, the greatest achievement is the peace that God has brought into this State, that is my greatest achievement,” he said.
He appreciated all the past Governors of the State for their respective contributions to the development of the State
Governor Eno specifically expressed appreciation to his Political god father and predecessor, Mr Udom Emmanuel for his vision, pursuit, resilience, and support that brought him to power.
Also addressing the occasion, an elder Statesman, Otuekong Don Etiebet described Governor Eno as a phenomenon, a spiritually-filled and an enigmatic leader, sent by God to serve Akwa Ibom in a critical time such as this.
He appreciated the Governor for his godly leadership role by reuniting the ethnic, social and political fragments of the State which, according to him, has brought an end to the era of political kidnappings and killings.
Speaking earlier during an interactive media chat to mark his two-year anniversary, Governor Eno revealed President Bola Tinubu’s willingness to support the development of the Ibom Deep Seaport project.
He told Akwa Ibom people of President Tinubu’s favourable disposition to rapid economic transformation in the state. “President Tinubu is willing to see the Ibom Deep Seaport come alive in the state,” Governor Eno said.
Our correspondent reports that the 2nd anniversary banquet featured the unveiling of a book, “The Golden Footprint,” chronicling Governor Eno’s two years of impactful leadership. The Governor also received the National Health Ambassador Award for his efforts in improving the state’s healthcare system and signed an agreement for a state-of-the-art international hospital project.