God’swill Akpabio -Umo Eno: Stronger together

By Emmanuel Nicholas

The arrival of international music star Davido in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has provided vivid evidence of the enduring peace, unity and mutual respect that now define the relationship between Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno.

Their harmonious partnership has closed gaps that might otherwise have been exploited by political opportunists aiming to sow discord.

This exemplary relationship has significantly lowered political tensions and diminished socio-political affronts, engendering a climate of peace that surpasses ordinary expectations and deprives those who thrive on rancour of their influence.

Governor Umo Eno’s humility was on full display as he declined any airs of office, choosing instead to lead his full entourage, including the deputy governor and the secretary to the state government, to the residence of the Senate President.

The two leaders, together with other prominent citizens, warmly received the music star. Observers from Davido’s team, by their own expressions, appeared genuinely impressed by the cordiality and unity between the Senate President and the Governor.

Members of Davido’s entourage also remarked on the atmosphere. On Facebook and X, Chief Priest wrote: “Well received by the Senate President and the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

There is love, there is peace and unity, and above all, there is so much prosperity in Akwa Ibom. It’s so beautiful here.” Charles Ubah, the tour’s stage manager, posted: “Akwa Ibom people love themselves. I see so much humility in the life of Governor Umo Eno, and the Senate President is a very jovial personality.”

These reactions speak volumes about the power of mutual respect between office holders.

Earlier in the year, Senator Godswill Akpabio had demonstrated sterling leadership by relinquishing the APC state structure to the governor, an extraordinary gesture of statesmanship that many political heavyweights elsewhere might have been unwilling to make, even when the party constitutionally designates the governor as state leader.

Governor Umo Eno, for his part, has consistently championed and supported Senator Akpabio’s third-term bid across the state. In both public and private forums, he has reiterated his respect for the office of the Senate President, making that deference a visible and constant feature of his administration.

The peace and unity between these two leaders have had tangible effects across Akwa Ibom. Political distractions and divisive politicking have been minimized, enabling development initiatives to proceed with greater focus.

Their concord has accelerated the rebuilding of the APC network within the state, expanding the party’s reach and weakening the resonance of opposition voices. Equally important, this spirit of cooperation has contributed to bridging tribal divisions that once undermined the state’s political fabric.

Recently, Senator Akpabio visited the Palace of Oku Ibom Ibiono to pay formal respects to the Ibibio patriarch. He invoked the memory of Ibibio College in Ikot Ekpene as a symbol of the unity that prevailed among the state’s founding fathers. He described the current era as a new beginning of love and unity, crediting Governor Umo Eno with helping to restore that harmony.

Addressing the royal fathers, Akpabio said: “I am very happy to be here and I thank you, my fathers, for this grand reception of me and my entourage even at short notice. I am here with my colleagues and family members, which shows that I am from here and my home is intact. Let me thank you for being peace-loving fathers. The most costly peace is better than the cheapest war. I appealed to him without seeing him physically, and he listened to me; today, there is peace in Akwa Ibom State. Kindly extend my greetings to your son, my governor and our leader, Pastor Umo Eno, another man of peace, who not only speaks about peace but acts on it.”

Akpabio further described his palace visit as a major reconciliation effort intended to rekindle peace, love and unity across Akwa Ibom. He praised the governor’s decision to align the state with the centre by joining the APC, and pledged his full support for Umo Eno’s second-term ambitions. “Don’t listen to nay-sayers and blackmailers. We are solidly behind him. That was why, immediately he joined the APC, I personally handed over the party structure in the state to him, because when I was governor, I controlled that structure. I will continue to work for the peace, unity and development of Akwa Ibom State,” he declared.

The Senate President’s personal testimony showcases his role as a bridge-builder and peace advocate, while Governor Umo Eno’s actions reflect a genuine commitment to reconciliation across ethnic groups, political platforms and religious sects.

Together, their partnership is reshaping the political landscape of Akwa Ibom and laying the foundation for sustained peace and prosperity and through it, much development will be attracted to the State.

Their united relationship will facilitate the Senate President’s use of his good offices and influence to secure employment opportunities for the people of Akwa Ibom, thereby complementing the Governor’s efforts in the state.

Those who have claimed that Akpabio does not care for the Ibibio and that all appointments favor the Annang should be silenced after hearing the glowing tribute from a daughter of Ikono, Mrs. Emem Usoro, who, through the intervention of Senator Godswill Akpabio, became Deputy Governor of the Central Bank.

Wherever love prevails, progress flourishes; and where there is unity, goals and visions are realized.