By Emmanuel Uffot
… Recommends Model for Better Nigeria
…as Umo Eno celebrates Senator Akpabio at 61
Senator Remi Tinubu, the first lady of the federation has appreciated the inclusive and liberal disposition of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno in his leadership style. The wife of the President of Nigeria, who made this commendation at the birthday bash of the Senate President Godswill Akpabio hosted by the Governor at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, described him as a model of Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking at the grand reception and 61st birthday celebration of Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the 10th Senate, she appreciated Governor Umo Eno for hosting the event and demonstrating leadership at its best.
She noted that Governor Umo Eno has distinguished himself in leadership by drawing a distinction between politics and governance to ensure delivery of the deserved dividends of democracy to the citizenry.
The First Lady of Nigeria who was evidently delighted with the Governor’s statemanship, urged other leaders across the country and beyond to emulate Governor Eno for a better Nigeria.
“I want to celebrate the Governor of this State. We thank you for hosting us today, and I believe that other people should learn. When we are campaigning, everybody is campaigning but once it is done, it is left for us to go into governance, proper governance, and you have shown that today, God bless you. Politics is over, let us now govern the people.”
Senator Tinubu equally commended Senator Godswill Akpabio for his contribution to the development of Akwa Ibom State and wished him a happy birthday and many more years of celebration in good health.
In his remarks, Akwa Ibom State Governor, who was the Principal Host of the event, justified his inclusive disposition by describing the state as a family and the relationship as being in the overall interest of the State and its citizenry.
He further reaffirmed the position of his administration to accord due respect and support for Akwa Ibom indigenes whose socio-political statuses have been elevated and continuously celebrate them as partners in progress.
Governor Eno “We are collaborating across the party lines. We are respecting our leaders by showing them support. We believe that our Distinguished Senator, being the Senate President, the number three man in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, will bring things from the top and those of us here at home will gather things from here and we will put them on the table and Akwa Ibomites will enjoy the dividends of democracy and that is why we are here.”
Governor Eno lauded President Tinubu for being a father to all and taking everyone along with him across party lines, despite being a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He affirmed that on two different occasions, the President had invited him to join his team for international conferences, saying, “that’s a man who is a father to all and I thank him for the support he has given to our State.”
Governor Eno in his tribute to Senator Akpabio described him as an illustrious son of the State who has made enormous and remarkable contributions to the development of the State.
According to him, the distinguished Senate President has made enormous contributions to the development of our State. And so for us as Akwa Ibomites, we come together across party lines, to celebrate our son whom God has blessed. I have always maintained that my bible says I will rejoice with those that are rejoicing. And God forbid sadness, if there is sadness, that is another time to show support to people.
The Governor who paid glowing tribute to Akpabio, led Akwa Ibom people and others at the event to render the regular happy birthday song in honour of the senate President.
On his part, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdulahi Ganduje hailed the bond of unity and collaboration displayed by Governor Umo Eno as evident in the strong cordiality with former governors of the state and members of other political parties.
Similarly, the Governor of Cross River State and Chairman on the occasion, Prince Bassey Otu described Senator Akpabio as a proud son of Akwa Ibom and the entire South South region who has made remarkable impact in the polity.
Prince Otu also hailed the bond of unity in the State made possible by Governor Umo Eno, and spoke of plans to leverage on the collaboration and work out ways to solve some age-long crises at the border of the sister states.
The double celebration with the theme, “Amazing Grace” featured cutting of the 61st birthday cake and song renditions by renowned secular and gospel artistes from across the country.
It could be recalled that ever since the victory of Governor Umo Eno under PDP, he has visited both President Tinubu and Senate President both of the APC to solidarise with them.
For the Governor, his philosophy as he had said severally, has been ‘ Now the elections are over, governance should begin notwithstanding party differences.
