Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has declared that he has fulfilled his long-standing aspiration to unite the people of Akwa Ibom, irrespective of political affiliations.
The governor made this declaration during the Easter Evening of Hymns held on Easter Monday at the International Christian Worship Centre in Uyo, according to a statement released by the Government House press corps.
Addressing a congregation that included people from various political backgrounds, Governor Eno stressed that peace and unity are vital values that must be protected and upheld beyond personal ambition or partisan interests.
“Tonight, as a servant of God who has been given the privilege to serve Akwa Ibom in this season as governor, I want to say I have fulfilled my ministry. I have fulfilled the ministry of reconciliation that God placed in my hands for Akwa Ibom,” he said.
He recalled his campaign promise to bring Akwa Ibomites together, a dream he says has now become reality. “During my campaign, I promised that, by God’s grace, we would bring all Akwa Ibomites under one roof. Tonight, that dream has been fulfilled. We have heard the PDP choir, the APC choir, and the IPAC choir sing here tonight,” he said.
“We have seen a united Akwa Ibom State represented through these choirs. People from all walks of life are gathered in this sanctuary where God has placed His name. There could be nothing greater than this.”
Governor Eno reiterated that his goal of fostering reconciliation and unity among Akwa Ibom people has been achieved, noting that the future of sustaining this harmony now lies in the hands of the citizens.
“As far as I am concerned, my conscience is clear. I am leading Akwa Ibom as one— not as a PDP Akwa Ibom, not as an APC Akwa Ibom, but as Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria. Never again will a state event become a party event,” he stated.
“Today, I feel very fulfilled. It is on record that in this administration, Akwa Ibom is united. Brothers greet and eat with brothers because we are from the same ancestral origin.”
He expressed gratitude to attendees and encouraged them to support the continuous preservation of peace and unity in the state.
“The significance of Easter for me is that all of us, regardless of our parties and beliefs, came together to sing and praise God. That is the greatest highlight of this evening,” he added.
The event also featured a sermon titled “He Arose” delivered by Bishop Gabriel Nkenang, who drew his message from Matthew 28:26. The bishop underscored the sacrificial purpose of Christ’s resurrection and described the empty grave as a defining distinction of Christianity.
Several musical performances lit up the night, with renditions from a wide array of choral groups including the Government House Divine Voices, State House of Assembly Choir, Judiciary Choir, College of Permanent Secretaries Choir, Board Chairmen Choir, Members of the National Assembly Choir, and the Personal Aides to the Governor Choir, among others.
