By Emmanuel Uffot
Barrister Onofiok Luke, former Speaker Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly and Member Representing Etinan Federal Constituency, who is currently the International President of the University of Uyo Alumni, has joined in pouring encomium on Governor Umo Eno over his victory at the Supreme Court.
According to him, the Supreme Court’s decision confirming the election of their esteemed alumnus is a triumph for UNIUYO.
Barrister Luke also lauded the congratulatory messages from Obong Bassey Albert and Obong Akan Udofia, that are also alumni and candidates of the main opposition parties, the Young Progressive Party (YPP) and the All Progressives Party (APC) respectively, considering them as a collective victory for UNIUYO on all fronts.
In a statement the former House of Representatives member, stressed that while the University of Uyo has consistently contributed greatly to the state’s development through its human resources, this marks the first time an alumnus has ascended to the governorship.
“With the Supreme Court’s validation of our distinguished alumnus, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, and the gracious messages from our fellow alumni, Obong Bassey Albert and Obong Akan Udofia, representing the main opposition parties, we can confidently assert that our esteemed institution, the University of Uyo, has emerged triumphant in every aspect,” said Luke.
“We have achieved a significant milestone by producing a Governor from the University of Uyo, a feat that holds tremendous importance for us. Additionally, despite the intense contest, our well-prepared alumni chose the path of dignity, responsibility, and equality by extending congratulations to the Governor, who had already extended an olive branch.”
“As the international leadership of the Alumni Association of this esteemed institution, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, on his nomination, election, and judicial confirmation as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.”
“We also sincerely applaud the maturity demonstrated by Obong Bassey Albert and Obong Akanimo Udofia in accepting the court’s decision, along with their congratulations and commitment to collaborating with the Governor in the state’s best interests,” the statement affirmed.
The UNIUYO alumni expressed their commitment to continuing to mobilize members to support the government’s commendable initiatives, with the hope that the government will reciprocate by assisting the alma mater.
It could be recalled that the apex Court last week upheld the election of Governor Eno of Akwa Ibom State alongside Governors of Lagos, Abia, Kano, Benue, Plateau, Bauchi, Cross River and Enugu States among others.
The confirmation of Pastor Eno by the Supreme Court finally brings to an end the chains of legal battle he has face since indicating interest to contest for Governor.
But alas, it is interesting to note that he has won all of them including Pre- election litigation of Akan Okon.
