Mr. Umo Eno, consulting Governor Udom Emmanuel on Monday 31st January 2022 inside the governor’s lodge, Uyo. Credit: MPM media team.
By Abasifreke Effiong
Hours after unveiling Mr. Umo Eno, the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources as his preferred successor, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has given reasons for his choice.
Speaking at the opening of Spectrum Television, the first private television station in the State, Mr. Emmanuel, insisted that he is not choosing Mr. Eno as a surrogate to do a third term, rather he chose him because of his “exceptional capacity”.
That was the second time the Governor described Mr. Umo Eno as a man of exceptional capacity. The first time was at a 3-in-1 thanksgiving held by Mr. Eno, in his hometown, Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium local government area last year.
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Governor Emmanuel said Mr. Eno is coming “with an economic blueprint that will guarantee employment, development and economic prosperity of the State.”
The Governor insisted that the choice is for the best interest of the State.
“Let me say this emphatically, I mean well for this State, that is why I waited for God to show me the man who would continue with the pace of developmental strides we have started in the last six plus years and then move the needle even further.”
“Pastor Umo Eno is a highly respected person. He has enormous capacity. He is an epitome of humility, and is blessed with the common touch, a compelling story and is God- fearing.”
“He is a successful entrepreneur who has employed our people, lifted thousands from poverty to prosperity.”
“He is a man of peace and will ensure that the peace and security of life we have enjoyed in the last six plus years will be maintained. His life story resonates with the story of most ordinary Akwa Ibom people.”
“He came from the Police barracks, where, as he said during his Thanksgiving Service last year, life was dreary and hope seemed a distant ingredient.’
“Through hard work, he summoned hope and overcame his early difficulties and ended up as one the biggest employers of labour in our State.”
“His story is a testament to our Dakkada philosophy; one that will inspire and motivate our youths”, the Governor said.
Mr. Umo Eno who was unveiled on Sunday at a stakeholders meeting inside government house, Uyo, has already begun consultation of stakeholders of the state.
On Monday, Mr. Eno with his campaign team and Governor Emmanuel’s succession group called Maintain Peace Movement, consulted former Governor, Obong Victor Attah and the Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel.
