Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has formally declared his membership in the All Progressives Congress (APC).
His defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he said, at a Press Briefing held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, is premised on the need to project and align the State strategically at the national level for a more positive and progressive development in the State.
The Governor said he had consulted widely with stakeholders across the State, adding, “Having completed the rounds of my consultation as your servant that you have elected to serve you, I have decided to progressively move to the All Progressives Congress.
“Standing before you today, I make bold to state categorically that I have, by today’s event, changed my political affiliation, but I will continue to uphold my values, moral fibre, and foundational principles that I have nourished and cherished all through my life. Those values will remain unchanged, and I will always work with you regardless of party affiliation.”
Pastor Eno was emphatic that he and his team are not joining APC from the position of their weakness but from the position of their strength.
“We are bringing values to the All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom State. We are coming to the APC with a ministry of reconciliation to reconcile all fronts and to work with you and all the stakeholders so that we can continue to build a prosperous State.
“We are joining the APC today because of our critical admiration and respect for the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and to provide the needed support for the Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from the home base.”
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary and pragmatic leadership that has drastically improved and stabilized the nation’s economy for the better.
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“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has possibly in the recent history of our nation, faced the most daunting economic challenges of any leader. With boldness and deep convictions, he has taken these challenges head-on, coming up with solutions that have begun now to yield positive results.
“These decisions, like the removal of the petroleum subsidy, have brought more funds to sub-national entities to pursue audacious projects that have positively affected the lives of their people. For us in Akwa Ibom State, the State is now more of a construction site with many life-touching projects across the 31 Local Government Areas without borrowing a dime from the banks. This is because of the quality leadership of the President.”
Receiving the Governor on behalf of the Party, Chairman, APC Governors Progressive Forum and Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodima, expressed delight at the cooperation of Akwa Ibom people which, according to him, has made the movement of Governor Eno to the APC, voluntary and possible.
He commended the Governor for his inclusive governance and wide consultations which have drawn all distinguished Akwa Ibom sons and daughters to join him in the progressive movement.
He expressed delight for receiving Governor Eno into the Party, describing him as one of the best and brightest Governors in the country, and pledged his support to help and encourage him in the leadership decisions, saying that the role and responsibility of a leader involves taking right decisions on the larger interest of his followers.
Senator Uzodima thanked the people of Akwa State for their wise and voluntary decision to join the progressive family for the betterment of the State and assured them that they would not regret their political decision.
He described the fast development witnessed in the State as a product of an organized mind and pledged the total support of the party and that of the National Assembly through the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
In his goodwill message, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, represented by his wife, Mrs. Ekaette-Unoma Akpabio, applauded Governor Eno for his swift and wise decision to join the Party, describing his decision as a strategic and right moment for the benefit of Akwa Ibom people.
Senator Akpabio described Governor Eno as a true man of God who is blessed with spiritual gifts to visualize the future while acknowledging the Minister for Petroleum (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo for his strategic role in building the bridge of peace that makes the development possible.
He called on Stakeholders of the State across party lines to remain resolute and join hands in building a new and united Akwa Ibom.
On his part, the APC State Chairman, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, appreciated Governor Eno for his vision, humility, noble disposition and political will to decide on the way forward for the State which, according to him, has brought unity, peace and progress.
He commended Ekpo for his noble role, dedication, diplomacy and deep belief in the unity of Akwa Ibom which has brought about the success that is celebrated today.
Ntukekpo described Governor Eno as a true son of Akwa Ibom whose leadership Akwa Ibom will remain united irrespective of its diversity, highlighting his impressive achievements within two years in office to include rural development, business support grants, improved infrastructure, educational advancement and attainment of peace in all communities.
He assured that numerous achievements will make his campaign for a second term not only easy but joyful.
The Press briefing witnessed a mammoth crowd of members of the PDP, the APC among other political parties and people of the State.
