Governor Eno: Many Angry With Me for Embracing Political Opponents

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has admitted that many people are upset with him for reconciling and associating with political rivals who once opposed his emergence.

Speaking during a thanksgiving service in Uyo on Sunday to mark the 38th anniversary of the state’s creation, Governor Eno asked for forgiveness from those who feel offended, urging others who cannot forgive to at least tolerate him until the end of his tenure.

“A lot of people are angry with me. They say, ‘Oh, people that fought you, you’re now greeting them. People that did this, did that.’ And I say if we live in a country or a state where it is ‘an eye for an eye,’ we will soon all go blind,” he said.

The governor stressed the need to put the past behind and promote unity across the state, insisting that political conflicts happen only so “the supremacy of God will be revealed.”

He added: “Let’s rise above ethnicity, parochialism, and deep-seated hatred. Forgive one another. Let’s work together for the common good of our state. Every Akwa Ibom leader in any sphere of life is important and we will work with them, ensure we honour and respect them.”

Cautioning against endless political tussles, Governor Eno warned that those obsessed with controlling political structures in his administration would be treated with suspicion.

On agitation for the creation of Obolo State out of Akwa Ibom, Eno vowed it would never succeed. “You will not have any other state other than Akwa Ibom. Even those struggling to split Akwa Ibom will not succeed because Akwa Ibom remains one,” he declared.

The governor also pleaded with critics and political opponents: “Those I’ve offended one way or the other, find it in your heart to forgive me. It is because anything that stands between me and the interest of Akwa Ibom State, I will choose the interest of Akwa Ibom. Tolerate me for a few more years; I will soon leave, then another governor will come.”

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