No vacancy in Government House in 2027, Senator Bob declares

Tony Okoh, Uyo

Former Senator representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District and Political Leader of Uyo Senatorial District, Senator Effiong Bob, has called on youths and political stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State to conduct themselves responsibly and embrace issue-based politics as preparations for the 2027 governorship election begin to intensify.

Speaking during a meeting with the Coalition of Uyo Senatorial District Youth Leaders at his residence on Friday, Senator Bob cautioned against the growing trend of personal attacks, insults, and inflammatory comments directed at Governor Umo Eno, stressing that such conduct has no place in modern democratic politics.

The former lawmaker emphasized that while citizens have the constitutional right to criticize government policies and programmes, such criticisms should be constructive, objective, and focused on issues rather than personalities.

“I want to make it clear that persons who are not comfortable with any policy of the governor can constructively and objectively criticize them in a way that their reasons will be acknowledged, rather than raining abuses on the person of the governor,” Senator Bob stated.

He further declared that there is no vacancy at the Government House in 2027, maintaining that Governor Umo Eno has performed creditably and earned the support of the people, particularly in Uyo Senatorial District, who recently endorsed him for a second term in office.

According to Senator Bob, Akwa Ibom State has maintained a political tradition since 1999 in which successive governors have been allowed to complete two terms of eight years, noting that Governor Eno should not be treated differently, especially considering what he described as the governor’s impressive record of achievements.

He highlighted several accomplishments of the Eno administration, including infrastructure development, economic empowerment programmes, and social welfare interventions aimed at improving the lives of ordinary citizens.

“The governor has not only performed well in infrastructure expansion and economic stimulation of the state, but he has also shown compassion to our people. He came into office and almost cleared over 12 years of pension and gratuity backlogs owed retired civil servants. He has built homes for poor families and empowered indigent citizens across the state, among many other laudable achievements,” he said.

The former senator therefore urged young people across the state to take ownership of the political process by mobilizing support for Governor Eno’s re-election bid, insisting that continuity would enable the administration to consolidate on its developmental strides.

Earlier, leaders of the Coalition of Uyo Senatorial District Youth Leaders expressed concern over what they described as persistent and unwarranted personal attacks on Governor Umo Eno and Senator Effiong Bob on social media platforms.

The youth leaders said they remained committed to democratic principles and welcomed constructive criticism of government policies, but condemned what they termed “uncouth, unguided and defamatory attacks” directed at the governor, members of his family, and leaders of the senatorial district.

According to the group, such attacks are capable of undermining healthy political discourse and creating unnecessary divisions within the state.

The forum warned that any direct insult against Governor Umo Eno or leaders of Uyo Senatorial District would henceforth be viewed as an affront to the collective dignity and intelligence of the youths of the district.

“Such actions will be met with strong, legal and legitimate responses from the youths,” the group stated.

The coalition further disclosed that it had already drawn the attention of relevant security agencies to the matter and urged them to take proactive measures to address the growing menace of online harassment, misinformation, and character assassination.

The youth leaders also commended Governor Eno for what they described as remarkable developmental achievements under his ARISE Agenda, noting that the administration has continued to attract positive attention to Akwa Ibom State through people-oriented projects and policies.

Reaffirming their loyalty and support, the coalition pledged to continue promoting and defending the governor’s programmes and political vision while working towards ensuring his re-election in 2027 and continuity in office through 2031.

The meeting ended with a renewed call for peaceful political engagement, mutual respect among political actors, and sustained support for policies aimed at advancing the development and prosperity of Akwa Ibom State.