Despite belonging to different political parties, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has assured Governor Umo Eno of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of reelection in 2027.
LEADERSHIP recalls that Governor Eno had earlier in the week similarly threw his weight behind President Bola Tinubu of the ruling APC to continue beyond 2027.
Our Correspondent gathered that Senator Akpabio and Governor Eno reached a resolution to support each other to return to the Senate and the Hilltop Mansion, the seat of the state government respectively.
While Governor Eno had at different fora declared not to back any PDP or other aspirants from any other party, except such aspirant would become the Senate President, Akoabio has reciprocated the gesture by openly supporting Governor Eno.
Akpabio, who was represented by his wife, Dr. Ekaette Unoma, made the declaration during a town square meeting by the Governor to empower the people of Ikot Ekpene, Essien Udim, Obot Akara Federal Constituency at Ikot Ekpene stadium.
Welcoming the Governor, Akpabio thanked him for the numerous life-touching projects he has executed in the zone, explaining that such feat remains the foundation of his (Eno’s) second term recommendation and supports.
He appreciated the Governor for empowering the constituents with business grants, noting that Akwa Ibom would be a greater place if successive administrations would emulate and sustain his inclusive leadership style.
The Senate President therefore, urged the constituents to work in unison towards ensuring that Akwa Ibom grows beyond religious, political and tribal barriers; and restated his commitment to “supporting the Governor beyond 2027 irrespective of party affiliation.”
However, the elated Governor, who had empowered over 664 farmers, traders, and entrepreneurs in Ikot Ekpene with N260 million grants when he hosted the 3rd Town Square meeting in the Constituency, said the gesture was an opportunity to do more.
A breakdown of the grants shows that 210 farmers received N105 million, 255 traders received N125 million, six beneficiaries of the Small Medium Enterprises got N5million each while 184 were beneficiaries of equipment support, and nine got cars of different types.
Urging those beneficiaries to ensure prudence in managing the grants and other empowerment resources, Governor Eno assured that “the Needs Document received from the constituents will be carefully studied and accommodated in next year’s budget for effective implementation.”
He commended the people of the zone for their supports, which he acknowledged, has enabled him to deliver democratic dividends to the people.
