…Promises To Consolidate ARISE Agenda, Peace and Development Across A’Ibom
By Emmanuel Iyoho
ABUJA
Governor Umo Eno, Ph.D, has scaled through the screening exercise conducted by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and has been cleared to contest in the forthcoming governorship primary of the party in Akwa Ibom.
The screening exercise held by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), chaired by the APC national chairman, Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, for verification and eligibility assessment, Saturday, at the Plateau State Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, was part of the APC’s scheduled vetting process for aspirants seeking the party’s ticket nationwide.
At the conclusion of his screening, Eno was asked to take a bow before the panel after being formally cleared to contest in the APC primary.
Speaking after the exercise, the governor commended members of the APC National Working Committee for what he described as a seamless screening process.
He maintained that his administration runs an inclusive government, and has remained committed to the ARISE Agenda blueprint having, within three years, executed numerous people-oriented projects across the 31 local government areas of the state.
Eno mentioned the Compassionate Homes project targeted at providing decent shelter for vulnerable women in rural communities as one of the initiatives closest to his heart, hinting that out of the 500 of such homes targeted for construction by his administration, over 400 have already been completed within three years, and expressed optimism that the remaining units would be delivered within the next year.
Furthermore, he said every local government area in the state has benefited from at least one major project under his administration, while several healthcare facilities have also been built to improve access to quality healthcare services, adding that Akwa Ibom was recently recognised as having one of the fastest-growing health agencies in Sub-Saharan Africa due to strategic investments in the health sector.
He made known that he had facilitated the defection of two senators, eight members of the House of Representatives, 24 members of the State House of Assembly, and 360 ward councillors into the APC and commended the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for supporting his administration and aligning with his vision for a greater Akwa Ibom.
The governor stressed that his second term bid was for the purpose of consolidating the achievements he has recorded in infrastructure, healthcare, rural development, and social welfare, and thanked God for the peace, unity and development witnessed across the state, saying the peaceful atmosphere has significantly contributed to steady progress in various sectors.
National chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, while commending the rapid pace of development in Akwa Ibom, encouraged Governor Eno to sustain the momentum for the benefit of the people, noted that the progress in governance and development has been made possible because the governor enjoys the support and acceptance of the people.
The governor attended the screening exercise in company of members of the State Executive Council, including the secretary to the state government, Prince Enobong Uwah; the APC State chairman, Stephen Ntukekpo as well as members of the National Assembly.
Meanwhile, Governor Umo Eno has played host to a delegation of members of the National Assembly who paid him a visit at Akwa Ibom Governor’s Lodge, Abuja, to congratulate him on the successful screening as well as to reaffirm their confidence in his leadership.
Speaking during the visit, the senator representing Uyo Senatorial District, Senator Aniekan Bassey, appreciated Governor Eno for keeping his promise of uniting the people and sustaining the peace in Akwa Ibom and pledging unwavering support for the governor and the ARISE Agenda of his administration.
Also speaking, the minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, described Governor Eno’s leadership as peaceful and unifying, noting that Akwa Ibom, presently, has only one governorship aspirant cleared by the APC, a development he described as unprecedented.
The chairman of APC in Akwa Ibom, Stephen Ntukekpo, thanked God for granting Governor Eno the wisdom and sincerity of purpose in uniting the state.
On their part, stakeholders at the meeting pledged continued support for the Umo Eno-led administration.
Responding, Governor Eno thanked the Senate President, Chief Godswill Akpabio and members of the state caucus for their confidence and solidarity, promising to continue working with all stakeholders for a greater and better Akwa Ibom.
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