Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has declared peace, unity and brotherhood as priceless assets of the state, warning socio-cultural and political groups against actions capable of undermining its stability.
He made the declaration at an interdenominational service marking the state’s 39th anniversary, urging citizens to protect the peace that underpins development.
“Of all the achievements that we have made in this state, my dear people of Akwa Ibom, there is one achievement that we must never take for granted. It is called peace. Our peace is priceless. Our unity is priceless. Our brotherhood is priceless. Let us protect them. Political differences must never become personal hatred. Ethnic differences must never become division.
“Religious differences must never become hostility. We can disagree and still love one another. We can belong to different political parties and still belong to one Akwa Ibom because when the election is over, Akwa Ibom will remain. When political arguments end, Akwa Ibom will remain. When political office changes hands in 2031, Akwa Ibom will remain,” Governor Eno stressed.
READ ALSO: Akwa Ibom Projects Generate Over 2,000 Jobs – Gov. Eno
The Governor urged stakeholders to keep rhetoric low and focus on issues that would promote sustainable growth.
“And as we go into politics, please keep the rhetoric low. Let’s discuss issues. Let’s discuss how food will be on the table. Let’s discuss how our people will be prosperous. Let’s discuss how we will give our youth employment. Let’s discuss those issues,” he urged.
Governor Eno warned socio-cultural platforms against promoting ethnic rivalry, stressing the need for cohesion.
“No sociocultural platform must be used to promote our weaknesses and ethnic divide in this state. I want today, as the governor of this state, as the Lord gives me breath, any sociopolitical group that does that again will be disbanded,” he warned.
The Governor said activities marking the anniversary month included commissioning 39 projects across the state and expanding the compassionate homes initiative.
“And like we said, we’re doing 500, we have already struck 500 compassionate homes across every ward in this state,” Eno disclosed.
A Cleric, David Abioye, described the state’s 39th year as a period of reflection and preparation for its 40th anniversary, while commending continuity in development.
“My personal observation, from afar, this is one of the most progressive states in Nigeria. I have observed that in spite of politics, this is one state that keeps building on the master plan. From one governor to the other,” Abioye observed.
He urged stakeholders to reflect on achievements, identify areas for improvement and prepare for future opportunities.
The Cleric then charged political, religious, and institutional leaders to treat the year ahead as a strategic period to prepare the state for its next phase of development.
“So I see the 39th year crossing into the 40th year as a season of preparation for the state,” Abioye stated.
For his part, the Akwa Ibom State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Christian Nyong, called for peace as the 2027 elections approach, stressing the need for all stakeholders to play by the rules.
