President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to strengthen collaboration with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, to fast-track development across the state.
The President gave the assurance in Akwa Ibom State while addressing a large gathering during a grand endorsement ceremony organised in honour of the trio by traditional rulers of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District at the Ikot Ekpene Sports Stadium.
President Tinubu, expressed appreciation to the traditional rulers for the honour and confidence reposed in him, Senator Akpabio and Governor Eno.
“I specially appreciate this endorsement for our re-election in 2027. It is indeed a great testament to our people-oriented development strides. I do not take it for granted. Thank you so much,” the President said.
Represented by the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Tinubu further assured the people of continued partnership for the progress of the state.
“With this unprecedented endorsement by our reverred royal fathers, I assure you of my stronger collaboration with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno to ensure that Akwa Ibom State is duly funded to witness much more development and transformation for the good of the people.”
“The President is working very hard to also unify Nigeria, to make sure you can sleep well in the night. He is putting a lot of money in security. The President is working very hard to stabilise the Naira, to make sure that any money that you have has meaning for you.”
Earlier, Senate President Akpabio described the endorsement by the royal fathers as “historic, unprecedented, uncommon, and never seen in any Senatorial district in Nigeria”. He noted that it serves as a strong motivation for them to intensify efforts toward improving the welfare of the state and its people.
“My own on behalf of the President, is to assure you that he will continue to stand by the Governor of Akwa Ibom, so that he will do more for you.
He will stand by the Governors of Nigeria, so that they will develop the sub-nationals, while he handles the security of this nation at the centre.”
Governor Umo Eno, on his part, thanked the traditional rulers for the trust and honour accorded to them, pledging to sustain the delivery of impactful development and quality governance.
“This is unprecedented .This type of event has never happened in Akwa ibom and I do not think Nigeria .
I have heard all you have said; it is being said to whom much is given, much is given.we are much more energized to drive our State to greater heights of development and growth for the benefit of our people,” the Governor said.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Council, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom, on behalf of the Chairmen of the Senatorial District described President Tinubu, Senator Akpabio and Governor Eno as a team deeply committed to peace, welfare and development of the people.
“We are here to say that the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial Districts were happy with you for what you’ve done. Eyes can see what you’ve done.
People can hear what you’ve done. But for today, because of the things that you’ve done for this state, we are here to honour you…”
Also speaking, the Chairman of the occasion and Itai Afe Annang, Obong Blaise Awakama, commended the impactful leadership of the President, the Senate President and the Governor, disclosing that the endorsement was the collective decision of the traditional rulers to encourage the leaders to continue their people-centred leadership beyond 2027.
“The traditional rulers of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District made up of ten local government areas have decided, the traditional rulers of Akwa Ibom State, have seen what they have done and are quite happy and they want to say so publicly that they are quite happy…they also want to tell them that they want them, these three people, from 2027 to go back and continue with their good works.”
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Mkpisong Frank Archibong said the gathering of traditional rulers was the fulfilment of a long-standing vow, recalling that “if you bring lasting peace, the traditional rulers of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District will gather to honour you,” a promise now kept.
He stressed that the honour was earned through deliberate action, noting that “you went from palaces to homes of senior stakeholders across the state… looking for peace.”
Beyond projects and infrastructure, he argued, the true legacy is peace, insisting that “what will outlive every legacy… is the legacy of peace that you have brought to Akwa Ibom State.” He concluded that the endorsement is unequivocal, because “these ones that have gathered here, they do not know how to double speak-once they say a thing, that thing stands.”
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong; the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo; members of the House of Representatives led by Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem; and other top government officials, who praised the peaceful and life-touching leadership style of the honourees.
The highlight of the event was the formal presentation of a Memorandum of Endorsement by the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty Akuku Saviour Sylvester Udofia, to President Tinubu, Senate President Akpabio and Governor Eno.
The event attracted members of the National and State Assemblies, top government functionaries, traditional rulers, religious leaders, political stakeholders, captains of industry and other dignitaries.