Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has commended the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, for the peaceful conduct of the state congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Senator Akpabio after observing the peaceful ambience that characterised the congress in Uyo, noted that in the past, such congresses were often marked by rancour, factionalisation and acrimony.
According to Senator Akpabio: “Somebody alluded to the fact that it was not always like this. Congresses in the State were always characterised by factions.
“While some gathered here at the Stadium, others would gather at a hotel to do their own parallel congress. But you will be shocked that before you get to Abuja it is the rag-tag congress that would be recognised by the Party.
“Just recently when the team came from Abuja to conduct the congress here, they had to be led to the State Office of the Department of State Services (DSS) for their safety. Let me tell you that even Ward and Local Government Congresses in some States, people lost their lives.
“But here we are in Akwa Ibom State conducting the congress as if we are in a church to take communion. Today I give glory to God for the peace in Akwa Ibom State. And this is because we are led by a true man of God who practices godliness in his heart.”
Senator Akpabio commended Governor Eno for broad consultation and inclusive governance which led to the emergence of a new executive committee for the party in the state through consensus as prescribed by the constitution of the party.
“This is uncommon, this is unprecedented and it will go down in history as the first most peaceful congress in Nigeria. We will continue to support Governor Umo Eno. I can predict that even the coming elections in Akwa Ibom State, will be as peaceful as this congress.
“Akwa Ibom has continued to show leadership, Akwa Ibom has continued to show unity totally unprecedented. There is no single untowards incident throughout the Ward, Local Government and State congresses. Even old political foes have been reconciled today with this congress.”
The congress re-elected Obong Stephen Ntukekpo as the State Chairman to lead the State Executive Committee of the party with a focus on unity and grassroots mobilisation.
In a voice vote, they pledged their support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, Senator Akpabio and Governor Eno.
Party Unity
Following the exercise, Senator Akpabio hosted Governor Eno, the Deputy Governor, Akon Eyakenyi, Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, former Petroleum Minister, Don Etiebet, the newly elected APC State Chairman, Stephen Ntukekpo and other members of the State Executive Committee of the party at his residence in Shelter Afrique Estate, Uyo.
The Senate President charged the newly elected members of the executive committee to preserve the existing unity in the party while embarking on grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general election.
In his remarks, Governor Eno thanked the Senate President for his presence, noting that it had dignified the congress.
He also thanked God for the peaceful conduct of the Ward, Local Government and State congresses and pledged the support of the state for the administration of President Tinubu.