Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has enjoined the majority ethnic Ibibio ethnic group to close ranks, eschew individualistic tendencies and continue to work with other ethnic groups in the state to deepen peace, unity and development.
LEADERSHIP gathered that this charge followed resort to ethno-political sentiments by some leaders and stakeholders of the Ibibio nation over political issues deemed not favourable to their clan.
Governor Eno however, urged the purveyors of ethnic politics in the state to jettison such petty emotional and ethnocentric learnings for the greater interest of Akwa Ibom development.
The Governor made the appeal while hosting a delegation of the Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio, an apex Ibibio sociocultural association which paid him a courtesy visit to present its new leader, Ntisong Pius James Okon at Government House in Uyo.
Eno noted that Ibibio is widely recognised as the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria, saying they must continue to remain formidable by ensuring unity of purpose.
The Governor who is himself an Ibibio, noted that a united and peaceful Ibibio, working in harmony with other ethnic groupings in the state “will translate to the overall peace and unity across Akwa Ibom.”
He congratulated the new leader, Ntisong Pius Okon on his emergence, and also the Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio for amicably resolving all the lingering issues which he frowned at, stressing that such discord “was not healthy for the progress of the body.”
Governor Eno who received and appreciated the group for honouring him as patron, assured them and other sociocultural groups of continuous support, and urged them to remain supportive of the ARISE Agenda blueprint of his government.
Presenting the Ntisong IV to the Governor, President General of Akwa Ibom Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, and the Oku Ibom Ibibio, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, explained that “the visit was basically to present Ntisong Okon, before him,” adding that the body had slated its 44th anniversary alongside his installation ceremony.
He commended the Governor for his accommodating style of leadership so far which, he said has engendered peace and unity across the state.
Okon commended the Governor for his quality leadership saying, “your exemplary leadership is a beacon of vision, humility, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of our people.
“Under your stewardship, Akwa Ibom has witnessed peace, inclusiveness, sustainable development, reflecting the virtues of a leader divinely chosen to uplift both the Ibibio and the state at large.”
According to him, the Governor’s ability to unify diverse interests and foster collective progress is a testament to the enduring wisdom of the Ibibio forebears.”
The highlight of the visit was the conferment of the Mkpisong of Akwa Esop Imaisong Ibibio title on Governor Eno who was also appointed as the patron of the organisation.
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