A political group geared towards rallying the support of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno and his deputy Senator Akon Eyakenyi in Oro Nation, on Tuesday formally endorsed the Governor for a second term in office, passing a resounding vote of confidence on his administration.
Citing Governor Eno’s impactful leadership, rural development drive and inclusive governance under the ARISE Agenda, they said Oro people were completely united in support for his administration.
The endorsement ceremony, held amidst fanfare and solidarity for the governor’s administration, took place at the Oron Township Stadium and attracted political leaders, stakeholders, traditional rulers, women’s groups, youths and supporters from across the five local government areas of the Oron Federal Constituency.
In a welcome address, Chairman of Oron Local Government Area, Okon Asuquo Eweme, who spoke alongside the chairmen of the four other Local Government Areas in Oro Nation, expressed profound appreciation to Governor Eno for what he described as unprecedented development strides in the area.
He commended the Governor for prioritising the Oro people through strategic infrastructural projects, human capital development, empowerment programmes and appointments into key positions in government, noting that the governor’s administration has brought renewed hope to rural communities through road construction, educational interventions, healthcare improvements and economic empowerment initiatives.
Chief Enweme further lauded Governor Eno for his accessibility, peaceful disposition and commitment to inclusive governance, stressing that Oro Nation remains grateful for the governor’s unwavering support and development-focused leadership.
Delivering a goodwill message, elder statesman, Ikpoto Okon Osung, remarked that the people of Oro are known for appreciating good deeds and showing gratitude to leaders who identify with them.
He thanked Governor Eno for choosing an illustrious daughter of Oro Nation as his running mate for another term, describing the gesture as a clear demonstration of love and trust in the people of the area.
Osung also applauded the governor for his achievements in rural and human capital development, pointing to the commissioning of several projects in the area as evidence of purposeful governance.
He, however, appealed to the governor to consider the dualisation of the road to the Jetty to further boost economic activities and ease transportation challenges in the area.
Also, former Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, described Governor Eno as a man of impactful content, noting that the ARISE Agenda philosophy represents a call for the awakening and transformation of Akwa Ibom people.
According to him, the governor’s leadership style is anchored in service, compassion and sustainable development, adding that the administration has continued to touch lives positively across the state.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Bureau of Cooperatives, Alice Ekpenyong, who led women from Oro Nation, stated that women in the area have never had it so good under any administration.
She commended Governor Eno for giving women strategic opportunities and appointments at both state and local government levels, saying the governor has demonstrated genuine commitment to women’s inclusion and empowerment.
Traditional rulers in the area also pledged their support for the Governor.
Speaking on behalf of the royal fathers, HRM Odidem Etim Edet, accompanied by Chief Nelson Effiong, appreciated Governor Eno for implementing full autonomy for local government councils in line with the Supreme Court judgement.
The monarch stated that traditional rulers across Oro Nation are solidly behind the Governor because of his sincerity, humility and dedication to grassroots development.
Proceedings for the official endorsement were led by Martins Esin, on behalf of Friends of Pastor Umo Eno in Oro Nation, alongside stakeholders from the Oron Federal Constituency.
The group congratulated Governor Eno on his emergence during the party primaries and applauded his decision to again choose the Deputy Governor from Oro Nation as his running mate.
Martins Esin described the ARISE Agenda as a practical and sufficient template for effective governance, noting that the governor has demonstrated capacity and commitment in delivering democratic dividends to the people.
A motion for the endorsement and vote of confidence on Governor Eno was moved by Esio Okwong Udo and seconded by Peter Linus, after which the gathering unanimously adopted the resolution amid cheers from supporters.
In a vote of thanks, the Deputy Governor described the event as a record-breaking gathering, noting that Governor Eno had earlier commissioned four major projects and flagged off another within the day’s activities in Oro Nation.
She praised the Governor’s visionary leadership and developmental strides across critical sectors of the state economy, describing him as a pacesetter and record breaker.
The Deputy Governor also expressed gratitude to Governor Eno for once again choosing her as running mate for his second term and thanked him for approving the construction of a Model Secondary School in Oron.
Senator Eyakenyi pointed out that the Friends of Umo Eno in Oro Nation currently has over 5,000 registered members spread across the five local government areas of the region.
Speaking on behalf of the First Family, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, coordinator of the office of the First Lady, thanked the people of Oro Nation for their overwhelming support, magnanimity and the vote of confidence passed on the Governor.
She assured the people that Governor Eno would not disappoint them in a second term, stressing that the administration remains committed to delivering more dividends of democracy to Akwa Ibom people.
“The result of hard work is more work,” she stated, while appreciating the continued solidarity and prayers from the people.
In a response, Governor Umo Bassey Eno thanked the people of Oro Nation for turning out massively during the party primaries and for standing firmly behind his administration.
He noted that the overwhelming support from Akwa Ibom people has continued to position the state as one of the leading states in the country in terms of political unity and development.
Governor Eno assured the people that his administration would return to Oro Nation with more developmental projects, including roads, schools and empowerment programmes aimed at improving rural livelihoods.
The Governor further directed the immediate commencement of the Oron Model Secondary School project, explaining that the school would be one of three model schools to be sited across the three senatorial districts of the state.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to opening more roads, including farm roads, and expanding empowerment initiatives to support rural communities and improve economic opportunities for the Oro people.
The event also featured a colourful presentation by pupils of the Model Primary School, Oron.
