2027: Tinubu Pledges Stronger Partnership With Akpabio, Eno For Devt

Ahead of next year’s general elections, President Bola Tinubu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to a stronger partnership with Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to accelerate national and subnational growth and development.

Addressing a mammoth crowd during a grand endorsement in their honour by the traditional rulers drawn from the 10 local government areas of the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District held at Ikot Ekpene Sports Stadium, Saturday, President Tinubu commended the Royal Fathers for the honour and confidence reposed in him, Senator Akpabio and Governor Eno.

Represented by the Senate President, Tinubu, who appreciated the endorsement, noted that such accolades founded on trust, would spur him up to give more for the people.

“I  specially appreciate this endorsement for our re-election in 2027. It is indeed a great testament to our people-oriented development strides; I don’t take it for granted.

“With this unprecedented endorsement by our revered Royal Fathers, I assure of my stronger collaboration with the Senate President, your son, and the your Governor, to ensure that Akwa Ibom State is duly funded to witness much more development and transformation for the good of the people,” he assured.

On his part, Senator Akpabio described the action of the royal fathers as “historic, laudable, and heartwarming, and it is a strong call and huge motivation for us to continue to work harder to better the lot of our State.”

Earlier, Governor Eno had thanked the traditional leaders for the honour and the trust they have in them, and promised to ensure that more impactful development and quality governance are optimally delivered to the people.

“To whom much is given, much is expected. For this honour to us, we are earnestly much more energized to drive our State to greater heights of development and growth for the benefit of our people,” the Governor said.

Welcoming the leaders and people of the state to Ikot Ekpene, the Local Government Council Chairman, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom, described the three leaders, President Tinubu, Senator Akpabio, and Governor Eno as a team that is exceptionally focused on people’s peace, welfare and development.

In his opening remarks, the chairman of the occasion and Itai Afe Annang, Obong Blaise Awakama, extolled the impactful leadership of President Tinubu, the Senate President and Governor Eno, in the country and in Akwa Ibom State.

Obong Awakama, explained that the endorsement was a product of the decision of the traditional rulers of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District “to appreciate and encourage the beneficiaries to continue in their remarkable and people-centric leadership beyond 2027.”

In their separate goodwill messages, the State Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; the Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong; the Minister of State, Petroleum (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo; House of Representatives members led by Rt Hon Unyime Idem, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong and the Executive Director, Projects, Niger Delta Development Commission, Hon. Victor Antai, among others, eulogized the life-touching leadership attainments of the trio who were honoured, stressing that their unique and peaceful leadership  approach were virtues worthy of recognition and support.

High-point of the occasion was the official presentation of the Memorandum of Endorsement (MoE), by the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Akuku Saviour Sylvester Udofia, to President Tinubu, Senate President Akpabio, and Governor Eno, for their re-elections and continuation in office beyond 2027.