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Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has called for unity to accelerate the pace of development and warned against inflammatory and divisive utterances that may separate the people.
Eno gave the warning at Victor Attah International Airport shortly after his arrival following engagements with overseas partners on the operation of MRO facilities and inspection of a new Airbus for fleet expansion at Ibom Air.
Last week, while Eno was away for international engagements, some groups rejected zoning arrangements that had sustained peace among the ethnic groups in the state, causing tension and ill feelings ahead of the 2027 election.
Eno appealed to indigenes of the state to disregard claims capable of stirring ethnic or political sentiments and charged them to remain united and committed to the collective advancement of the state.
Eno assured the people that he was committed to what he described as the “Akwa Ibom United” ideology that would bring peace and development to the state.
“Our administration’s commitment to the “Akwa Ibom United” philosophy has reflected in the spread of government projects, appointments and opportunities across the 31 local government areas
“This state moves as one. Previous leaders had led the state as one
“Since I came on board, I have deepened the Akwa Ibom United mantra, and we are operating as one all around.”
According to Governor Eno, the broad representation within his administration was evidence of the inclusive approach being adopted in governance, noting that key government officials, including the Deputy Governor and Chief Delivery Advisor, came from different senatorial districts and parts of the state.
Eno maintained that his administration does not allow ethnic origin to determine how individuals are treated or the opportunities available to them, describing attempts to portray the state as divided as distractions from the work of government.
“I don’t think I have ever defined anybody by where they come from. So, I ask Akwa Ibomites to ignore all of those things.
“There is nothing like division anywhere. People just want to distract government.”
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He urged political leaders, traditional and community stakeholders, as well as other opinion leaders, to be mindful of statements and narratives that could sow discord among the people, adding that division could undermine the collective progress of the state.
He therefore encouraged the people to sustain their cooperation and support for the development agenda of the government, stressing that peace and unity were necessary for the state to consolidate its achievements.
Eno directed the people to continue to embrace peace, mutual respect and togetherness, noting that the collective progress of the state depended on the ability of its people to work together.
On his trip to Canada for the pre-delivery inspection of Ibom Air’s latest Airbus A220-300, Eno said the acquisition formed part of the administration’s sustained efforts to expand the state’s aviation capacity and build an ecosystem capable of stimulating employment and economic activity.
He expressed satisfaction with the consistency of the government’s investment in the airline, noting that the latest acquisition brings the number of aircraft procured by the administration to five.
“This is the third aircraft we are getting from Airbus since we came in 2023, and we also got two CRJ 900, fully paid for.
“So, we have done five, and that shows consistency.”
Eno disclosed that work was also progressing on an aviation village designed to provide accommodation for airline personnel, while the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility was approaching completion.
He said the full operation of these facilities would expand the economic benefits of the aviation sector beyond air transportation, particularly through employment opportunities and increased economic activity.
“When this ecosystem begins to function at full capacity, you will appreciate the jobs it will create and, of course, the effect on our GDP as a state.
“That is when all these will begin to bring dividends, by the grace of God.”
