By Solomon OKPO
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the actualisation of the long-awaited Ibom Deep Seaport project in Akwa Ibom State, describing Governor Umo Eno’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a strategic alignment with national progress.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at a grand reception held in honour of Governor Eno at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday, President Tinubu gave assurances that the governor would not be forsaken or humiliated for embracing the ruling party.
“We are here because we believe in building bridges, not walls,” Shettima declared. “President Tinubu is a bridge builder, and your decision to join the APC is one you will never regret. We are a family and we will stand by you, just as we stood by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.”
The Vice President added that the Tinubu administration is committed to working hand-in-hand with Governor Eno to accelerate development in Akwa Ibom and ensure that vital infrastructure, including the Ibom Deep Seaport, becomes a reality.
Senate President Akpabio, who also addressed the crowd, praised Governor Eno for putting the development of the state above political affiliations. He revealed that one of the governor’s key requests upon joining the APC was the completion of the Ibom Deep Seaport, assuring him that not only would the request be granted but that the state could expect even greater support from the centre.
“You are a man of your word,” Akpabio said. “Among the things you asked from the centre was the Ibom Deep Seaport. Don’t worry—we will give you more than you asked for.”
Governor Umo Eno, in his remarks, explained that his decision to join the APC on June 6 was borne out of a desire to align Akwa Ibom with the federal government in order to drive economic reforms and development.
“We are not afraid to join APC because we believe in the vision of President Tinubu,” the governor said. “If this move leads to the realisation of the Ibom Deep Seaport—even if it is just one terminal—it would have been worth it. For more than 30 years, we have struggled for this dream. Today, we are reassured that it will become a reality.”
He added that Akwa Ibom, with its natural deep-sea advantage, does not require major dredging, making the project economically viable and strategically important for regional trade.
Also speaking, the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, lauded Governor Eno for choosing unity over isolation. He noted that the South-South now has four APC governors, with hopes that the remaining two will soon defect, enabling the region to tackle development issues collectively under one political umbrella.
“With political uniformity, the South-South can now more easily tackle its challenges. Governor Eno is a wise man who understands the importance of national alignment,” Ganduje said.
The high-profile reception marked a turning point in Akwa Ibom’s political trajectory, as stakeholders from across the country converged to witness the governor’s formal entry into the APC. Many see this as a significant boost to the party’s strength in the South-South and a potential game-changer ahead of the 2027 general elections.
