The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has commended the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, for the peaceful conduct of the State congress of the All Progressives Congress.
Akpabio, who participated in the Congress held at Uyo Township Stadium in Akwa Ibom State, observed the peaceful ambience that trailed the party event. He noted that in the past, such events were always rancorous and marked by factionalisation and acrimony.
The Senate President commended Pastor Eno for broad consultation and inclusive governance, which led to the emergence of a new executive committee for the party in the state through consensus as prescribed by the constitution of the party.
A statement by the Special Assistant on Media/Communication to the President of the Senate, Anietie Ekong quoted Senator Akpabio as saying, “Somebody alluded to the fact that it was not always like this. Congresses in the State were always characterised by factions.
“While some gathered here at the Stadium, others would gather at a hotel to do their own parallel congress. But you will be shocked that before you get to Abuja, it is the ragtag congress that would be recognised by the Party.
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“Just recently, when the team came from Abuja to conduct the congress here, they had to be led to the State Office of the Department of State Services (DSS) for their safety. Let me tell you that even in the Ward and Local Government Congresses in some States, people lost their lives.
“But here we are in Akwa Ibom State conducting the congress as if we’re in church to take communion. Today, I give glory to God for the peace in Akwa Ibom State. And this is because we are led by a true man of God who practises godliness in his heart.
“This is uncommon, this is unprecedented, and it will go down in history as the first most peaceful congress in Nigeria. We will continue to support Governor Umo Eno. I can predict that even the coming elections in Akwa Ibom State will be as peaceful as this congress.
“Akwa Ibom has continued to show leadership, and Akwa Ibom has continued to show unity, totally unprecedented. There is no single untoward incident throughout the Ward, Local Government and State congresses. Even old political foes have been reconciled today with this congress.”
In a voice vote, the party faithful pledged their support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, Senator Akpabio and Governor Eno.
In his remarks, the Governor thanked the President of the Senate for his presence, which he said had dignified the Congress. He thanked God for the peaceful conduct of the Ward, Local Government and State Congresses and pledged the support of the State for the administration of President Tinubu.
The Congress re-elected Obong Stephen Ntukekpo as the State Chairman to lead the State Executive Committee of the Party with a focus on unity and grassroots mobilisation.
