Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, has urged citizens to embrace forgiveness and unity despite political differences, noting that many people are displeased with his decision to reconcile with those who once opposed him.
Eno made the appeal on Sunday during a thanksgiving service in Uyo to kick-start activities marking the 38th anniversary of the state’s creation.
The governor explained that his decision to associate with former political adversaries was driven by a desire to foster peace and inclusiveness in Akwa Ibom.
“A lot of people are angry with me. They say, ‘Oh, people that fought you, you’re now greeting them. People that did this, did that.’ And I say if we live in a country or a state where it is ‘an eye for an eye,’ we will soon all go blind,” Eno said.
He stressed the need to rise above ethnicity, bitterness, and political acrimony, adding that “battles belong to the Lord” and leaders must learn to be magnanimous in victory.
The governor also vowed to resist attempts to divide Akwa Ibom in the name of state creation, insisting that unity and collaboration among leaders are vital for development.
“What are we fighting for? Too much meetings. You finish holding a meeting, they start another one. People want to control structure. The moment you want to control structure in this government, you’re a suspect,” he cautioned.
Eno called on stakeholders across all spheres of life to work together for the common good of the state, stressing that every Akwa Ibom leader deserves honour and respect.
