… As His Popularity, Good Governance Restrain Opponents
By Dominic Akpan
UYO – With his emergence as the sole gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 329 wards of Akwa Ibom State yesterday,
Gov. Umo Eno has joined the rare class of incumbent governors who secured their party’s gubernatorial ticket for a second term without facing any internal challenge, a development that reflects broad stakeholder support and confidence in his leadership.
Speaking after participating in the gubernatorial primary at his Ukana West 11 Ward Centre, Ukana, Essien Udim Local Government Area, the Senate President, Chief Godswill Akpabio described the unopposed ticket as a rare endorsement that transcends routine party politics.
He said that Gov. Eno’s emergence reflects his unique political style as he has shown that he is indeed a pastor; has remained a pastor and will leave office as a pastor.
After participating in the gubernstorial primary in his Ikpa Ikono Ward Centre in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Senator Ekong Sampson, who represents Akwa Ibom South (Eket) Senatorial District said that Gov. Eno has shown that politics can be played without violence, thuggery or tension.
He noted that Akwa Ibom has become a shining example of political maturity and stability for the rest of the country.
“Nigeria should come to Akwa Ibom and learn some lessons: We are sending a strong signal that politics can be played peacefully through an ingenious process of political engineering,” Senator Sampson said.
Senator Sampson described the governor as a compassionate and people-oriented leader whose impactful policies and grassroots-driven development initiatives have fostered a strong connection with the people.
Speaking in the same vein, chairman of UrueOffong/Oruko Local Government Area, Mr. Uno Etim Uno said that the development is not merely a political milestone, but a powerful symbol of the broad acceptance, strategic leadership and consensus-building capacity that have come to define the governor’s political journey.
‘In a state where governorship succession and re-election contests have always generated intense political struggle for the ticket of the ruling party, the absence of any opponent speaks volumes about the governor’s growing influence and the confidence reposed in him by stakeholders across the political spectrum.
In his remarks, the chairman of Oruk Anam Local Government Area, Elder Festus Sunday said after the gubernstorial primary at his ward 9 centre, Ikot Akpan Essien, that since assuming office, the governor has maintained an open-door approach to governance, engaging traditional rulers, political leaders, religious bodies, professional groups and community stakeholders in the decision-making process.
He maintained that his politics of accommodation has helped to reduce tensions often associated with power struggles, while creating a sense of ownership among diverse interests within the political establishment.
‘Rather than governing from a position of political dominance, Gov. Eno has cultivated a culture of engagement that allows stakeholders to feel valued and heard,’ Elder Sunday said.
To Surv. Clement Jimbo, a member of the House of Representatives, the governor’s unopposed nomination is not simply an internal party affair, but a reflection of public perception regarding his administration’s performance and direction.
He further said that the governor’s emergence signifies a conviction among many stakeholders that continuity offers the best opportunity for sustaining ongoing developmental initiatives and advancing the state’s long-term aspirations.
On the significance of Gov. Eno’s unopposed emergence, Mr. Samuel Effanga, a former Commissioner for Science said it is a testament to the power of inclusive leadership, stakeholder consultation and consensus politics, adding that it is an indication that his administration will continue to enjoy substantial goodwill among both party faithful and the people of the State.
Across the 31 local government areas, party faithful openly rallied behind the governor, transforming the primary into a symbolic reaffirmation of confidence in his leadership.
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