BY SOLOMON OKPO
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has called on political actors ahead of the 2027 general elections to conduct campaigns based on ideas, policies and programmes rather than personal attacks, insults and divisive rhetoric.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the three-day Prayer Summit organized to usher in the fourth year of his administration, Governor Eno stressed that elections should be contested through constructive engagement and issue-based campaigns, noting that political power ultimately belongs to God.
The governor maintained that while every citizen has a constitutional right to belong to any political party of their choice, political activities must be conducted with civility and respect to preserve the peace and stability enjoyed in Akwa Ibom State.
“As we go into the election, let us continue to maintain decorum. Everyone is free to join any political party, but I know one thing: power belongs to God,” he stated.
Governor Eno cautioned against pursuing leadership positions out of bitterness, vindictiveness or a desire to pull others down, describing such attitudes as inconsistent with true leadership.
“Those are not the qualities of leadership. Akwa Ibom has gone beyond that level. Let us have a battle of ideas and allow the people to decide who God has sent to them. Let us tell the people what we have done and what we intend to do,” he said.
The governor also used the occasion to appeal for unity and tolerance among religious leaders, emphasizing that peace, development and prosperity can only thrive in an atmosphere of harmony and mutual respect.
In a symbolic gesture of reconciliation, he formally welcomed several prominent clerics who had aligned with different political interests during the 2023 elections, including Archbishop Cletus Bassey and Rev. Angela Ashong.
“On behalf of the state, we receive them with open arms because in the peace of Akwa Ibom lies our peace, and in the prosperity of Akwa Ibom lies our prosperity,” he said, urging all spiritual fathers and mothers in the state to put aside differences and work together for the common good.
Governor Eno further called on citizens to continue praying for Nigeria and its leaders, specifically mentioning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
He commended the various choirs, groups and individual ministers who participated in the summit and announced educational support for members of the Young Professionals and Harmonic Voices Choirs as a way of encouraging young talents.
Expressing appreciation to all participants, the governor assured residents that the state remained on a path of progress under a leadership anchored on dignity, accountability and compassion, while expressing confidence that God would continue to perform wonders in Akwa Ibom.
Delivering the keynote sermon titled “Provoking the Supernatural Wonders of God,” Senior Pastor of Shepherd House Auditorium, Apostle Joshua Talena, described divine wonders as the supernatural manifestations and language of God. He urged Christians to deepen their understanding of the spiritual realm, embrace repentance and cultivate the nature of Christ in order to experience God’s extraordinary blessings.
Earlier, the Senior Pastor of Insight Bible Church, Pastor Sylvanus Ukafia, speaking on the summit theme, “God of Awesome Wonders,” said divine wonders operate according to God’s timing and are preceded by consecration. He emphasized that the destiny of any society is shaped not only by its economic resources but also by its moral and spiritual values.
The summit featured intensive prayers, praise and worship sessions, as well as special ministrations by renowned gospel artistes, including Mercy Chinwo and Gaise Baba.
