By Saidu Idris
365Daily – Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State appears to be having his way with his choice of a successor, as his preferred aspirant, Pastor Umo Eno, continues to receive support and endorsement from critical sectors of the state.
Since the public pronouncement by Governor Emmanuel that Pastor Eno, a current Commissioner in the State, would be his preferred successor, he has received approval from both traditional and religious leaders.
But by far more crucial political endorsement came his way this week from the entire members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly (AKHA) and the Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGON), Akwa Ibom State chapter.
Both AKHA and AKGON have emphatically thrown their weight behind the governor’s choice to emerge the next governor.
In an unanimous decision taken on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, in Uyo, the state capital, the 26 AKHA members, including the only All Progressives Congress (APC) member representing Mbo State Constituency, Hon. Effiong Johnson), adopted Eno as their aspirant of choice in the forthcoming governorship election.
On the behest of the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon Aniekan Bassey, the House Leader, Rt. Hon Elder Udo Kerian Akpan, had moved a motion for the official adoption and endorsement of Pastor Eno as the preferred aspirant to succeed Governor Emmanuel.
The motion was thereafter seconded by Hon. Denis Akpan, member representing Etinan State Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Information.
The event took place at the Speaker’s official lodge and was witnessed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, Director General (DG), Umo Eno Campaign Organisation, Ambassador Assam Assam (SAN) and other key political figures.
On why the House chose Eno, the Speaker said: “We did an analysis of all the aspirants and Pastor Umo Eno was found worthy. You inspired and motivated me many years ago.
“We are on the threshold of writing and rewriting the history of the state. I am not surprised that the lot fell on Pastor Umo Eno. He gave the best presentation of himself during his clearance and confirmation hearing as a Commissioner.”
In the same pattern, the Chairmen of the 31 LGAs in the State, after a motion by the Chairman of Uyo LGA, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, seconded by the Chairman of Ini LGA, Rt Hon Israel Idaisin declared their support for Eno.
Speaking during the event, the Akwa Ibom State Chairman of ALGON and Chairman of Esit Eket LGA, Rt Hon. Iniobong Robson disclosed that ALGON had taken a decision to stand by Eno and was resolute not to accommodate any other aspirant going forward.
According to him, “Pastor Eno is a man endowed by God with both physical and spiritual abilities to transform Akwa Ibom and we cannot afford to allow this opportunity to pass us by in Akwa Ibom.”