By Solomon OKPO
The National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Dr. Yusuf Dantalle, has commended Umo Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, for what he described as impactful leadership marked by visible infrastructural development and a peaceful political climate in the state.
Dantalle made the commendation on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, during a courtesy visit to the governor at Government House Uyo. He led a delegation comprising members of IPAC’s national leadership and the newly elected state executive committee.
The IPAC national chairman said that within the few days he had spent in the state, it was evident that the governor was deploying the state’s resources towards meaningful development projects that were transforming the landscape of the state.
According to him, IPAC is not an opposition platform but a body comprising all registered political parties in the country.
He stressed that the council’s leadership was committed to ensuring that political parties remain credible vehicles for attaining political power while also serving as platforms for amplifying positive governance outcomes without bias.
Dantalle also urged members of the council to clearly distinguish between politics and governance, emphasizing that both should not be unnecessarily conflated.
He further applauded Governor Eno for his role in ensuring the peaceful conduct of the council’s state election, describing the process as a demonstration of inclusiveness and maturity in leadership.
During the visit, Dantalle formally presented the new IPAC State Executive Committee, led by Bessing Umoh, to the governor and urged them to work closely with the state government in advancing the administration’s ARISE Agenda.
Responding, Governor Eno congratulated the newly elected executive members and thanked the IPAC national leadership for ensuring that the election was conducted in a peaceful and transparent manner.
The governor reiterated the importance his administration places on peace, noting that stability remains a critical foundation for development in the state.
“We thank God for the conduct of your election, and we thank all the participants for making it peaceful. In Akwa Ibom, we naturally preach peace because without peace, there is really nothing anybody can do,” the governor said.
He urged the new leadership of the council to promote unity and constructive engagement rather than oppose government initiatives under the guise of criticism.
Governor Eno assured the council of his administration’s readiness to accept constructive criticism and strengthen collaboration with IPAC, adding that the government would continue to see the council as a partner in progress rather than an opposition bloc.
Also present at the meeting were the Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah; the Akwa Ibom State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Stephen Ntukekpo; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Frank Archibong; Commissioner for Works, Eno Ibanga; Special Adviser on Political and Legislative Affairs, Kufre Udosen; and the immediate past IPAC chairman and member representing Ini State Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Lawrence Udoideh.
