By Bassey Nkponam
ORON
Stakeholders of Oro ethnic nationality in Akwa Ibom have reaffirmed their support for the State governor, Pastor Umo Eno.
The stakeholders, drawn from the political class, traditional institution, academia, youth and women organisations, made the declaration, Thursday, at the residence of a former deputy governor of the State, Sir Etim Okpoyo, in Oron, during the governor’s ‘Thank You’ visit to the federal constituency.
This followed a motion moved by the chairman, Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council and paramount ruler of Udung Uko Local Government Area, Odidem Bassey Etim Edet, and seconded by the paramount ruler of Okobo Local Government Area, Edidem Ita Okokon, with the paramount ruler of Mbo Local Government Area, Owong Okon Abang, sealing the vote of confidence with a prayer.
Edet noted that the vote of confidence on Eno was as a result of the unprecedented goodwill demonstrated by him for Oro people, as shown in the number and magnitude of projects so far sited in the federal constituency, as well as the cordial relationship with his deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi.
He said the reaffirmation of the Vote of Confidence and royal blessing on Eno became necessary because the one earlier passed by the Akpakip Oro Elders Advisory Council on March 16, 2024 was done without the involvement of the traditional rulers.
“The governor is a true friend of Oro Nation. And we appreciate the level of attention Oro Nation is receiving from his administration.
“Since the Vote of Confidence earlier passed by the Elders Advisory Council was without the involvement of traditional rulers, I hereby move another motion passing a Vote of Confidence on His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno.”
The State governor, Pastor Umo Eno expressed appreciation for the support, love and confidence reposed in him by the Oro people, noting that the visit was in fulfilment of the promise he made to Oro leaders when they hosted him in the same venue during the electioneering period, adding, “What you’ve done here today is a tonic for us to do many more things for Oro nation.”
Eno, while briefing the stakeholders on the inclusive disposition of his administration, assured that government will ensure that whatever it does, goes round, and that Oro nation will not be left behind.
The governor said the recently terminated contract for the dualisation of the Uyo – Nsit Atai – Okobo Road will soon be re-awarded for expeditious completion for the benefit of commuters.
He commended the contributions of the deputy governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, to the administration, describing her as a great daughter of Oron who is tireless in advocating for her people.
Eno specifically thanked the traditional rulers for the honour done him, and sued for peace, understanding and unity of the State.
The deputy governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, thanked the governor for his inclusive leadership style, describing him as a conscientious leader who has brought peace, unity and development to the State.
Speaking separately at the event, the former deputy governor, Sir Etim Okpoyo, member representing Oron Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr Martins Esin, president general of Oron Union, Sir Essang Nsa Bassey, and chairman, Akpakip Oro Elders’ Advisory Council, Ikpoto Okon Osung, thanked Eno for fulfilling his campaign promises to the people, thus giving them an unprecedented sense of belonging.
They confirmed that AMITEC Construction Ltd handling the Orukim – Unyenghe – Universal Energy Road and CCECC handling the Okopedi – Uya Oro Road had long mobilised to site, and were making great progress in the execution of the projects.
They appealed for the dualisation of Oron Road to properly connect the dualised Okopedi – Uya Oro Road with Oron Beach, the siting of a power station in Oron to solve the perennial power problem in the area, as well as the governor’s support for the take-off of Federal University of Maritime Studies, Oron.
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