By John Ogunsemore
Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno said he has received quality counsel from the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) as well as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The PDP chieftain, who has been linked with defection to the APC, stated this at an interdenominational thanksgiving service to mark his second anniversary as Governor at the International Christian Worship Centre, Uyo on Sunday.
Eno said the quality counsel he has received has contributed to achieving peace and stability in the state.
“I have received quality counsel, not just from the PDP, but also from the APC, IPAC, and leaders of our state, making all of us significant stakeholders in our state. I am most grateful and proud of you all for this positive development in our land.
“This is the joy that we share. This is the gift that Akwa Ibom is giving to Nigeria – that we can stay in peace if we truly want to stay in peace; that we can all shift grounds and accommodate one another,” he said.
Calling on indigenes to join hands with him to maintain a peaceful and united Akwa Ibom State, the governor said that of all the achievements of his administration within the last two years, the sustenance of peace and unity among individuals and groups in the state was the most important and has been the foundation for his government’s success.
He appreciated all past governors of Akwa Ibom for their respective impactful contributions to the growth and development of the state.
He recalled with gratitude the role of Obong Victor Attah in the onshore-offshore dichotomy struggle, which led to the availability of more resources to the state; the infrastructural transformation of Senator Godswill Akpabio; and the contributions of Deacon Udom Emmanuel, calling for continuous support and respect for all leaders across the state.
“Today, for me, the greatest achievement of my administration in two years is the unity and peace that we have achieved as a government. No development or progress would have happened in this State if there was no unity and peace among our people. It would have been a big distraction for us,” he said.
He added, “We don’t have an ‘Abuja front’ or ‘Lagos front’ or ‘Home front,’ but that unity of purpose which is a product of God’s grace on our side through our prayers, love, and togetherness. It is that peace that is our greatest achievement in the last two years. We are Akwa Ibom United.”