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Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno has warned that any socio-cultural group using its platform to promote ethnic rivalry would be disbanded immediately.
Last month, a socio-cultural organisation in the state known as Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio had stoked sentiments against Oron, while Ekid people described Oron as having no littoral status in the state, raising ethnic tensions.
But speaking at the Interdenominational Service held at the International Worship Centre in Uyo to mark the 39th anniversary of the creation of the state, Eno called for unity, peace and collective commitment to the development of the state.
The service, which was organised to celebrate 39 years of what the state government described as progressive impact and God’s faithfulness, attracted political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, former governors of the state and other stakeholders from within and outside the state.
Eno, while addressing worshippers, explained that the state’s development journey reflected the contributions of successive administrations, with each government building on the foundation laid by its predecessors.
He said the evidence of development, peace and other achievements across the state had continued to make it unique and warned that the collective interest of the people should override temporary political differences.
He warned against the use of socio-cultural and community platforms to promote political division, urging groups such as Mboho Mkparawa Ibibio, Ati Annang and Asulap Aboro to use their platforms to promote peace, brotherliness and development.
He warned against political differences translating into hatred, as people could belong to different political parties and still maintain cordial relationships, working together for the progress of the state.
“Political differences must not become hatred; ethnic differences must not become division; and religious differences must not become hostility. We can disagree and still love one another. We can belong to different political parties and still belong to one state.”
“When the election is over, Akwa Ibom will remain. When political arguments end, Akwa Ibom will remain. And when political offices change hands in 2031, Akwa Ibom will still remain. Therefore, let us put our state above our temporary differences.”
“I want to appeal to our socio-cultural groups. I am glad that today I have seen Mboho, I have seen Ati Annang, and I believe Ula Oboro is also here. I want to appeal that no socio-cultural group should use its platform to promote ethnic differences. Any group that does that again will be disbanded.”
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He also warned politicians to focus their campaigns on prosperity, development and the future of the state rather than division and personal attacks as elections approach.
Eno used the occasion to highlight his administration’s welfare interventions such as the construction of 500 compassionate homes for less-privileged persons, adding that the initiative is part of efforts to support vulnerable citizens and demonstrate compassion in governance.
Earlier, in his sermon, Bishop David Abioye of Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly likened Akwa Ibom’s 39-year journey to that of the children of Israel on their way to the Promised Land and charged the people to remain thankful for God’s faithfulness.
Abioye described Akwa Ibom as a progressive state that had continued to build on the foundations laid by successive leaders, despite political differences.
He commended the contributions of past administrations and prayed for greater wonders, landmark achievements and a significant turnaround as the state approaches its 40th anniversary.
“The 39th year was a period for conceiving new ideas and greater possibilities.”
“I urge the people to look ahead with faith and hope.”
The thanksgiving service featured musical renditions by Akwa Ibom-born gospel minister, Pastor Nathaniel Bassey, the Harmonic Chorale and other worshippers, creating an atmosphere of praise and thanksgiving.
The service ended with prayers for continued peace, prosperity, unity and development in Akwa Ibom as the state looks forward to its 40th anniversary.
