Six governorship candidates and 13 political parties that contested the March 18 governorship election in Akwa Ibom State have congratulated the governor-elect, Mr. Umo Eno of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The candidates are Messrs Nsikak Hogan Thomas (Zenith Labour Party), Abasiekeme Mfonobong Ekanem (Action Alliance), Eyo Eyo Ekong (Allied People’s Movement), Sunday Francis Ekanem (Peoples Redemption Party), Akan Ekpenyong (Boot Party), and Mrs. Emem Monday Udoh (Social Democratic Party).
They conveyed their thoughts in separate messages of goodwill to the incoming governor.
The Inter-party Advisory Council of Nigeria (IPAC) in the state announced this in a statement issued in Uyo at the weekend and signed by the council chairman, Mr. Ubong Emmanuel.
IPAC said Eno’s victory was an affirmation of the divine will of God at ensuring that not only the best candidate was elected and given the mandate by the people, but one who best understands where the people of the state are coming from, where they are presently and the best route towards attaining and achieving target destination.
He said six governorship candidates and 13 political parties, who participated in the governorship elections in Akwa Ibom State, have congratulated Eno on his victory.
He quoted the governorship candidates as saying that despite their campaigns and politicking, it was clear that Eno won the heart of the people through his ARISE Agenda and expressed hope that he will satisfy the desires of the people.
The political parties also said in a joint statement that the election of Eno was a manifestation of God’s divine plan to select the most qualified candidate to lead the state.
The parties are Action Democratic Party (ADP), Labour Party (LP), National Rescue Movement (NRM), African Democratic Congress(ADC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), All Peoples Party (APP), and African Action Congress(ACC).
Others are Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Action Alliance (AA), Allied People’s Movement(APM), Peoples Redemption Party(PRP), Boot Party(BP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The parties which described the governor-elect as “the will of God for the state,” said: “Dear Governor-elect, your resounding victory at the polls is a further affirmation of the divine will of God at ensuring that not only the best candidate was elected and given the mandate by the people, but one who best understands where we are coming from as a people, where we are presently and the best route towards attaining and achieving our target destination.”
They expressed the optimism that Eno’s ARISE Agenda would serve as a means to promote both economic growth and social cohesion throughout his term as governor of the state.
“It is our hope and belief that in line with your avowed commitment to unite Akwa Ibom State and foster healing and true reconciliation, your reign as Governor from May 29, 2023 will signify and symbolise inclusiveness, selflessness godliness, peace, unity, and entrepreneurial development as encapsulated in your ARISE Agenda.”