Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has called on citizens and political actors to demonstrate maturity, tolerance and restraint, as political activities gradually heighten ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Governor gave the advice during a Special Inter-Denominational New Year Thanksgiving Service held at the International Worship Centre, Uyo.
Governor Eno commended political leaders in the State for their maturity in handling sensitive political issues, noting that such conduct has sustained peace, unity and steady progress in Akwa Ibom.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank all of our leaders, particularly our political leaders for allowing peace to reign in our State. This is the hallmark of maturity.
Now we can all wish and pray that our State will be in peace. I am sure everyone of us has enjoyed the atmosphere of peace. You can feel it, as you can go round the State freely and this atmosphere of peace shall continue throughout the year,” he said.
Cautioning against actions capable of disrupting the prevailing harmony as the political season approaches, the Governor urged citizens to engage constructively while respecting differing opinions.
“As we go into the political season, there is nothing wrong in making your point. You have the right to disagree, but please let us disagree respectfully without insulting anyone.
We do not have to see things from the same perspective, we can all give our views and opinions, but please, let this peace we are enjoying continue,” he cautioned.
On the newly introduced Treasury Single Account, TSA, policy, Governor Eno appealed for the cooperation of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, and citizens to ensure its effective implementation, stressing that the initiative is aimed at improving revenue generation and accountability.
“One key thing we are doing is that Akwa Ibom has now introduced the Treasury Single Account System, and please, all of us must make this work.
All Government’s revenue must go into one single account. No more will any ministry generate and spend funds. They have to send to the account, the State’s common purse, then we can spend the money for the good of all.
We have made a budget of N1.5 trillion, we need to get funds so that we can execute the budget. I commit myself to following that budget, and we must all commit ourselves to allowing those funds to come in please,” he appealed.
The Governor appreciated attendees at the service, particularly the guest preacher, Apostle Joshua Selman, for honouring the State with his presence.
Preaching on the theme, “The God of All Flesh,” the Founder and Senior Pastor of Eternity Network International, Apostle Joshua Selman, said the depth of a believer’s impact is dependent on the depth of their knowledge of God.
He admonished Christians to remain focused, humble, charging all to desist from pride but to trust in God despite challenges.
Earlier, the State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Bishop Chris Nyong, commended Governor Eno for his impactful leadership and the peaceful atmosphere enjoyed in the State, urging all stakeholders to sustain unity and harmony.
The service featured praise and worship, dance and thanksgiving, choir ministrations, and Bible reading by the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Obareki.