As Akwa Ibom State rolls out the drums to celebrate the second anniversary of Governor Umo Eno’s administration in office, a prominent member of the elite Christian group Fathers Of Faith (FOF), Apostle John Okoriko, has applauded the governor’s leadership style, describing it as peaceful and inclusive.
He noted that the atmosphere of peace has given the state the right ambience for key policies and programmes to be effectively implemented, especially in the areas of inclusive governance, and infrastructural and human capital developments.
Speaking in an interview in Uyo, the state capital yesterday, Apostle Okoriko who is the founder of Solid Rock Kingdom Church (SRKC), noted that the governor’s emergence as the first pastor to lead the state has had a profound impact on peace and unity in both the political and religious spheres.
“Top on the list of achievements is the peace we now enjoy in Akwa Ibom. Since Governor Eno’s inauguration, we have seen political stability and unity among Church denominations. There’s no more tension among parties as it used to be, and this has translated to progress across the state,” he said.
Okoriko, also commended the governor’s grassroots engagement, noting that pastors and religious leaders regularly meet with him for prayers and consultations.
“This is the first time pastors gather monthly with a sitting governor to pray and interact directly. He listens to the people, engages traditional rulers, youths, and women. His leadership is morally sound and inclusive,” the clergy stressed.
Apostle Okoriko acknowledged Governor Eno’s strides in road infrastructure, rural development, tourism, and empowerment of small and medium-scale businesses across the state, pointing out that the administration’s projects “are visible evidence of a clear agenda for growth.”
Responding to Eno’s plan to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Apostle Okoriko confirmed that “religious leaders have been briefed and are in support of the decision.”
“He spoke to us, religious leaders from various denominations, explaining how aligning with the federal government will help implement his ARISE Agenda more effectively.
“We didn’t vote for him because of PDP; we voted for him because he is a pastor. His integrity and character are what matter to us,” Okoriko maintained, adding that
“Religious leaders in the state are prepared to support the governor’s move, as it will bring more developments because governance transcends party lines.”
When asked if the defection implies ingratitude to the PDP platform, Apostle Okoriko disagreed, explaining, however that; “we are not loyal to parties, parties are not supreme, credibility is. We are loyal to purpose and vision, and governor Eno, has demonstrated capacity and compassion.”
“His move to the APC, if it brings greater benefit to Akwa Ibom, is a wise and strategic decision,” he stressed and called on Governor Eno to pay more attention to agriculture, affordable housing estate for the low income earners, and cost of flights to be reviewed downward in the transportation sector.
“Food prices are high because we rely on other states for basic items like garri and palm oil. We must embrace mechanised agriculture, also, the cost of rent is outrageous. The government should build low-cost housing estates for civil servants and ordinary citizens.
“If he can achieve this much in two years, then with six more years, Akwa Ibom will witness remarkable transformation. Our prayers are with him, and we trust that any party he joins will support his ARISE Agenda fully,” he added
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