Eket Federal Constituency’s town square meeting: Razzmatazz homecoming of a beloved son

By Emmanuel Nicholas

The gathering at Eket Town Square meeting was nothing short of a grand celebration, a magnificent convergence of devoted supporters and well-wishers, honouring a remarkable journey of transformation and triumph.

It was a soulful welcome party for a son of the soil, a man whose ascent from humble beginnings as a modest entrepreneur to the pinnacle of business success has been nothing less than extraordinary.

His evolution did not stop there; from shepherding a small fellowship as a Pastor, he rose to lead a majestic cathedral, embodying spiritual leadership with grace and vision.

This illustrious path continued as he transitioned from a revered business magnate and cathedral Pastor to a distinguished Commissioner within the Ministry of Lands, demonstrating a proven virtuous track record in public service.

Ultimately, his exemplary dedication and profound impact culminated in his election as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, entrusted with the stewardship of over 7.2 million souls.

The story of Governor Umo Bassey Eno’s greatness, built upon God’s grace, faith, and visionary leadership, is deeply rooted in the heart of Eket. It stands as proof of the enduring spirit and limitless potential of this meticulous son of Akwa Ibom, who rose from Eket to a pinnacle of golden glory.

Amidst the vibrant dances performed by the cultural troupes, the resonant beats of their drums issued a melodic proclamation of a welcome celebration, while the harmonious songs emanating from the voices of their singers wove together a tapestry of folklore, each composition born from hearts brimming with gladness.

These melodies, sung by women and men whose spirits overflowed with joy, soared to celestial octaves reminiscent of heavenly choirs, all in honour of welcoming a son who had bestowed upon them honour and glory rather than shame.

His entrance into the gathering was heralded with uncontrollable sounds of drums, and the voices of singers were heard alongside unstoppable dances. With broad smiles, he waves at his kinsmen; he never stops to shake hands with anybody, be it a child or a king. Governor Umo Eno personally exchanged pleasantries with everyone.

He showed no sign of elitism or growing wings of ego, but humbled himself as a downtrodden commoner and showed love to his people with broad smiles.

Governor Umo Eno was not cosmetic to display; he was truly home to the people among whom he has dwelled for over three solid decades, those who helped him grow and those whose shoulders he stood on to rise to greatness.

From the Chairmen of the four local government Areas of Eket, Esit Eket, Onna and Ibeno, they signed the first message of endorsement, sending a political enclosures to Akwa Ibom politicians, don’t come near, we have chosen our sole Governorship candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial election in the person of Pastor Umo Eno, PhD.

The speakers representing each local Government add their voices, they praised him for his outstanding performance in the last two years in Eket Federal Constituency, and Akwa Ibom as a whole and resounding one after the other adopted Governor Umo Eno as their Sole Candidates and told him bluntly, never to come to campaign in their Federal constituency as they had all agreed to vote for him comes 2027.

From the voice of Honourable Pat Ifon, who spoke for the people of Onna, to the high-pitched voice of Honourable Sam Ekpeyong, who echoed the minds of the Ibeno people, and from the handsome and erudite voice of Rt. Honourable Dan Abia Jr., who brought the collective agreements of the people of Esit Eket, and from the elder statesman, Former House of Representatives Member, a former Minister, Attah of Eket and renowned political leader of the Eket people, Chief Ndueso Essien, came the sealing voice that marked the final note of adoption of Governor Umo Eno for a second term by local Government area speakers.

But as a noble man known for always speaking his mind, Chief Ndueso added, “Your Excellency, you know Eket was the commercial city of Akwa Ibom State, and you are one of the people who made it so. Today, it is no longer so. Please bring back Eket’s glory as the commercial city,” he posited.

To speak for the women of Eket Federal was a matriarch. She was first the First Lady of the old Cross River State, later a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, then a Distinguished Senator for the people of Eket Senatorial District, and now His Lordship, the Bishop of God’s Vineyard. Her name is Senator (Bishop) Helen Esuene, and she applauded the people of Eket Federal Constituency for coming out en masse from 9 a.m.

“Your Excellency, this crowd you see here is very real, and nature has been very fair to us today. The whole week it has been raining every day, but today there is no rain. The weather has been calm; it means the lines are falling in pleasant places for Eket Federal Constituency.

We came out here as one people, with one mind, united for a purpose because we come from one father, and you can see the team spirit.

In the last administration, we had a Governor who came from this federal constituency. Now, it pleases God to give us another Governor in you. We thank God, and we pray He keeps you strong until you finish well,” she concluded.

It was the turn of the members of the State’s Exco, who represent the four Local Government Areas: Hon. Emem Bob from Onna, Rt. Hon. Robinson Uwak, the Sporting Elder, Paul Bassey, and the meticulous and ever-generous to the people, great supporter of the Governor and the people’s Commissioner, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, who is also the dean of commissioners and the unbeatable speaker of the group.

He began by describing the Governor as a very committed and dutiful leader.

“Your Excellency, I want to thank God for this weather. It has been raining throughout the week, but today there is no rain. This shows the approval of your government by the heavens.

Your Excellency, this is our third term after Governor Udom Emmanuel’s second term, because you are the son of this Federal Constituency.

When you moved to the APC, we moved with you, and we are very committed APC members. We moved because you moved.

Your Excellency, we did not move like blind people; we moved with expectations. You came to Eket and brought development to this Federal Constituency, even when you had never thought of politics.

Now you have the yam and knife of governance and authority in Akwa Ibom, and I know this Federal Constituency will be better for it”.

“This is the treasure base of Akwa Ibom State, and the wealth of this State comes from here. Akwa Ibom has been blessed with very good leaders, and you are a very good leader.

We have a beach in this Federal Constituency; please give our beach a facelift to consolidate your Arise Agenda on tourism. We are hopeful that Quo River Hotel will be revived because we have the most natural coastline worthy of a five-star hotel.

Uyo Senatorial District has a five-star hotel, Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District has one, but we don’t have one in Eket Senatorial District.

So, we are hopeful the Quo River Hotel will be brought back to life to complement Ibeno Beach, so that companies like Seplat Energy will have somewhere to stay.”

He ended his long, passionate speech by endorsing the Governor for a second term in office as the sole gubernatorial candidate.

The speeches did not end without the collective motions made by the three members representing Onna, Eket, and Esit Eket/Ibeno State Constituencies.

Hon.. (Dr.) Akata Nsidibe Inyang (APC), who speaks for the good people of Eket State Constituency, moved a motion for Governor Umo Eno, PhD, to be adopted as the sole candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial election.

The motion was seconded by Hon. Jonny Sunday Udofot of the PDP anx through voice votes, the entire people of Eket Federal Constituency, Governor Umo Eno, PhD, was adopted as the sole candidate for the 2027 gubernatorial election, as well as President Ahmed Tinubu for a Second term as the nation’s President.

The Eket Federal Constituency did not allow their leader, the Governor, to leave without presenting him gifts, including a traditional cow, an art moulding of the Governor’s image, artwork of the upcoming Ibom Deep Sea Port, and their needs documents. All these presentations were made by Ambassador Assam Assam, SAN.

It was the turn of the golden son of Eket Federal Constituency to respond to his people. Governor Umo Eno danced to the podium, and the people were overjoyed, almost breaking their waists as they showed off their dancing skills.

The Governor took the microphone and was overwhelmed by the reception offered by the people of Eket Federal Constituency. His mouth was filled with unconditional and uncontrollable laughter as he kept waving to the mammoth crowd, who came out in large numbers to welcome him.

He took the chance to address doubts about his relationship with his political father, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, stating, “Let me say here and now, because we are in Eket Federal Constituency, my political father comes from here. Let me make it abundantly clear that there is no issue between me and my political father, no issue whatsoever. We have moved in the best interest of Akwa Ibom State for today, so that we can pull our support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. That does not cause any confusion.

“I am his political son, and so he will always earn our respect and support, and I will like to make that assurance to our sons and daughters from Onna, so if anybody tries to insult him, you are doing so at your peril, he is still our father and will continue to earn our respect,” he said.

The Governor thanked the people of Eket Federal Constituency for their overwhelming turnout and gifts, calling Eket “the land of my rebirth,” though he was born in Uyo Senatorial District and Etinan Federal Constituency. He acknowledged receiving their needs assessment document but cautioned, “I am not promising you all, we will deliver based on the availability of funds.”

He highlighted ongoing projects in the constituency and pledged further development. Addressing demands about the beach and Qua River Hotel, he said the government is seeking investors and urged the host communities to maintain peace. Regarding the Qua River Hotel, he added that work will begin once legal issues are resolved.

The event did not end without the Governor disbursing over 400 million Naira to 1 076 beneficiaries with farm, trade, and business grants in Eket Federal Constituency.

268 constituents were successfully selected to benefit from the ARISE Farmers grant, 549 for the ARISE Traders grant, 239 for the ARISE Equipment support scheme, while eight benefited from the N5 million MSME grant, and 12 benefited from the cars and mini buses