By Solomon OKPO
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has appealed to the people of the state to accept the public apology offered by the Lead Pastor of Household of Love Churches, Rev. Yinka Yusuf, following his controversial comments against the state and its citizens.
The Governor made the appeal during the February edition of the Government House Covenant Service held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, stressing that the matter should be considered resolved in the spirit of peace and forgiveness.
Governor Eno noted that Akwa Ibom people are widely known for their hospitality and accommodating nature, urging residents not to hold Rev. Yusuf’s unguarded utterances against him, having acknowledged his wrongdoing and tendered an apology.
“As a state, we have put this behind us. We have accepted the apologies,” the Governor said, adding that the state was further blessed by the simultaneous visit of the Founder and General Overseer of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor W.F. Kumuyi, who held a five-day crusade in the state.
He commended security agencies for their diligence, timely intelligence gathering, and swift intervention, which he said helped prevent a potential breakdown of law and order arising from public reactions to the remarks.
The Governor disclosed that he has directed the State Attorney General to halt all preparations for legal proceedings against Rev. Yusuf, emphasizing that the government prioritises peace and the safety of all guests to the state.
“The youth had already picked up his abusive tape and were ready to do terrible things against him if not for the timely intervention of the security agencies,” Governor Eno stated. “We have always prayed against anything evil happening to any of our guests. Our visitors must come in peace and leave in peace.”
In a related development, Governor Eno announced that the second anniversary of the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA) would be commemorated on February 20, 2026, at the Ibom Hall, Uyo.
He revealed that the date coincides with the birthday of his late wife, noting that the occasion would also serve as a posthumous celebration of her life. He invited residents of the state to participate in the event.
Earlier in his sermon, the Lead Pastor of Honeystreams Church, Pastor (Dr.) Akomaye Ugar, who preached on the theme “But the Lord stands beside like a great warrior,” drawn from Jeremiah 20:11, stated that all power ultimately derives from God. He urged Christians to deepen their faith by relying on God’s word, maintaining their covenant with Him, and consistently calling on Him in prayer.
The covenant service featured praise and worship sessions, choir ministrations, and prayers. Dignitaries in attendance included the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Obareki; the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong; the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; members of the State Executive Council; political leaders, clergy, captains of industry, government officials, and worshippers from across the state.
