Ime Akpan
Aspirant for the governorship of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Umo Eno, has begun consultation with the party’s stakeholders in the state.
Recall that the governor of the state, Mr. Udom Emmanuel had, at the weekend presented Eno as his preferred choice for the governorship election in 2023.
Eno, who will contest the election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, currently serves as the commissioner for lands and water resources.
On Monday, he began what could be termed as ‘meet the who’s who tour’ and the first port of call on Monday was the Shelter Afrique, Uyo, residence of the second civilian governor of the state, Obong Victor Attah.
The visit to Attah was a way of saying ‘thank you’ for it was the former governor who formally presented Eno to the PDP stakeholders at the weekend.
They were made up of the leading PDP stalwarts from the three senatorial districts who all applauded the choice and pledged to work towards his success in 2023.
Speaking during the visit, Eno thanked Attah for mentoring him at a very early stage of his life and for always supporting him grow both in business and public service.
He recalled that it was Attah who gave him his first public appointment as chairman of Akwa Ibom State Tourism Board even when he (Eno) never had a party card.
He also thanked Emmanuel for giving him a second chance at public service and expressed sincere gratitude to Attah for the endorsement.
He recalled that he lost his father when he was 23 adding that God has always raised destiny helpers at every point of his life.
“Today the grace of God has found me out through the benevolence of Governor Udom Emmanuel. The Akwa Ibom project has to be furthered.
“My goal is to further agriculture, industrialization, employment, and with Ibom Air, make the state a destination. Your Excellency, Ibom Science Park will be revived as you envisaged. We will continue your good works. I am pleased to be scolded, tutored and mentored at your feet,” he stated.
Earlier, the former attorney general of the state and commissioner for justice, Mr. Assam Assam had expressed appreciation to Attah for his contribution to the state.
He said the former governor had become a toast of Akwa Ibom people and indeed other states in Nigeria.
He said the visit was meant to present Eno to him for blessing following his adoption and endorsement by the party’s stakeholders in the state.
“Your Excellency, we have come here to present to you our hope for 2023. Somebody we believe will be able to manage the stakes that will be left behind. We thank you for presenting him to us (yesterday).
“Now we want to come to consult you and to inform you that he is the one we want to succeed Governor Udom Emmanuel in 2023,” he said.
Assam further commended Attah for his resource control struggle saying “that single contribution by that single individual propelled us into the comity of states and the envy of all other states in the country”.
For his part, the national chairman, Maintain Peace Movement, (MPM), Mr. Emmanuel Enoidem, said the visit to Obong Attah, being the maiden consultation after Eno’s official unveiling was symbolic and significant.
Enoidem described Obong Attah as a believer in the Akwa Ibom project and one who fought for the retention and preservation of the wealth God has given the state.
“You retired from politics but you did not leave leadership. You have remained a voice who believes in the unity of Akwa Ibom State.
“You laid the foundation for peace and the balance of power through rotation in 2007.
“Umo Eno who is a good student of yours will continue in the path to greatness you started,” he said.
Also speaking, the representative of Eket senatorial district, Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi, described the choice of Eno as “timely” and assured that the enthusiasm of the people “is an indication that Akwa Ibom people are ready to run with Umo Eno project.”
Similarly, Dr. Dr Godwin Ntukudeh, who spoke on behalf of Uyo senatorial district, said the delegation was in Attah’s residence to honour him for who he is.
“We are in your house to honour you because you deserve honour.
“You designed the state and God gave you the opportunity to set the parameters for governance, courage and doggedness of the Akwa Ibom man.
“We are here to continue with the completion agenda and to urge you to give a handshake and transfer that dodged spirit of yours to Pastor Umo Eno,” he added.
Like Assam, Ntukudeh said the state “is today enjoying the many privileges of the resource control struggle Obong Attah championed.”
Responding, Attah the speakers and described the PDP aspirant as a man of integrity.
He clarified that he only moved the motion for Eno’s adoption but not the one who nominated him.
“I was the one who presented you, not the one who chose you because there is no one person that could have chosen you. Maintain your integrity. Unify Akwa Ibom. Be governor for all Akwa Ibom people. Be a listening Governor.
“Please, read all documents before you sign, don’t sign any document blindly. You must read, you must be careful what you sign but most importantly, let this be a government of all Akwa Ibom people,” he advised.
