By Solomon OKPO
Tinubu Pledges Stronger Collaboration with Akpabio, Eno to Fast-Track Akwa Ibom Development
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to accelerate development and economic growth in the state.
The President gave the assurance during a grand endorsement ceremony organised by the traditional rulers of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District in honour of President Tinubu, Senator Akpabio and Governor Eno at the Ikot Ekpene Sports Stadium on Saturday, January 24, 2025.
Speaking through the Senate President, President Tinubu expressed appreciation to the royal fathers for the confidence reposed in the trio and described the endorsement as a strong validation of people-centred governance.
“I specially appreciate this endorsement for our re-election in 2027. It is indeed a great testament to our people-oriented development strides, and I do not take it for granted,” the President said.
He assured that the unprecedented endorsement by the traditional rulers would further strengthen cooperation between the Federal Government, the National Assembly and the Akwa Ibom State Government to ensure adequate funding and accelerated transformation of the state.
“With this endorsement by our revered royal fathers, I assure you of stronger collaboration with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Governor Umo Eno to ensure that Akwa Ibom State receives the support it deserves to witness more development and transformation for the good of the people,” he added.
In his remarks, Senate President Akpabio described the endorsement as historic and deeply motivating, noting that it was a call to greater service.
“This gesture by our royal fathers is laudable and heart-warming. It is a strong motivation for us to work even harder to improve the welfare and development of our state,” he said.
Governor Umo Eno, in his response, thanked the traditional rulers for their trust and support, pledging to intensify the delivery of impactful projects and quality governance across the state.
“To whom much is given, much is expected. This honour energises us even more to drive Akwa Ibom State to greater heights of growth and development for the benefit of our people,” the Governor stated.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area, Hon. Aniefiok Nkom, welcomed leaders and guests to the senatorial district, describing President Tinubu, Senator Akpabio and Governor Eno as a leadership team committed to peace, welfare and sustainable development.
Chairman of the occasion and Itai Afe Annang, Obong Blaise Awakama, said the endorsement reflected the collective decision of the traditional rulers to appreciate and encourage the trio to continue their people-centred leadership beyond 2027.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong; Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo; members of the House of Representatives led by Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Mkpisong Frank Archibong; and Executive Director, Projects, Niger Delta Development Commission, Hon. Victor Antai, among others. Speakers praised the peaceful and inclusive leadership style of the honoured leaders.
The high point of the event was the presentation of a Memorandum of Endorsement by the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Akuku Saviour Sylvester Udofia, endorsing President Tinubu, Senate President Akpabio and Governor Eno for re-election and continued leadership beyond 2027.
The event attracted members of the National and State Assemblies, the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; members of the State Executive Council; local government chairmen; traditional rulers from across the state; religious leaders; political stakeholders; captains of industry and a large cross-section of the public.
