By Ife Osemedua
365Daily – Governor Udom Emmanuel’s anointed governorship aspirant in the coming 2023 election in Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has said that he would continue to reverence constituted authority in spite of public outrage over a viral photo of him kneeling down before the governor.
The governorship hopeful said that his background, orientation and training would continue to ensure that he is not disrespectful to elders or those in leadership positions.
He made this assertion on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, in the palace of the paramount ruler of Nsit-Ubium, and Oku Ibom Ibibio, His Eminence Ettenyin Solomon Etuk, in Ikot Ukobo.
He said, “I saw them write on social media; see a Pastor kneeling down for a governor because of politics.”
According to Pastor Eno, “If they knew that the church is subordinate to the state and we are to subject ourselves to constituted authority, they would understand.”
He said further, “I grew up in a home where respect was taught in the family. We were equally taught respect in school and of course the church. My parents taught me that when you are in a bus and you see an old person standing, you have to get up from your seat and offer the older person a sit. I believe that our people must begin to learn that culture of respect.
“In the Yoruba tradition where I grew up, I understand that no one greets a king standing. So, I came to submit before you so that they can have so many things to write,” he said to the royal father.
He continued: “I know you as my father. Papa, I came here to inform you that majority of stakeholders of the PDP in Akwa Ibom State have endorsed me to run for the governorship of this state. My hands are already on the plough and I won’t look back”.
Eno, who is the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, was last Sunday endorsed by Governor Udom Emmanuel and stakeholders in the state.
A prominent entrepreneur in the state before joining the government, his business tentacles spread across hospitality and other areas.
365Daily findings indicate that Pastor Eno is former Governor of Royalty Group, owners of Royalty Hotel and Recreations, Royalty Apartments, Signature by Royalty, Big Daddy Coffee shop, Big Daddy Loaf. He also owns a multimedia Studio, known as Vision Ist and LaundryPro, a professional laundry services, as well as Royalty Fries.
His business empire also encompasses the Royalty Beverages Limited, producers of AkwaFresh Sparkle Soda Water and AkwaFresh Premium Table Water.