● Says gesture exemplifies new chapter in party politics in Nigeria
In an evident reciprocal gesture, the Senate President, Godsswill Akpabio has endorsed the re-election bid of the Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno.
The development followed closely on the heels of Eno’s support for and endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s second term bid in 2027.
Akpabio, who governed Akwa Ibom state for eight years from 2007 to 2015, was reported to have dismantled inter-party inhibitions, by throwing his weight behind Eno’s second term in office.
In a quick riposte, an elder statesman and former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Chief Don Obot Etiebet, CON, has lauded the cross-party endorsements, describing them as an exemplification of a new chapter in party politics in Nigeria.
In a statement sent to THE CONCLAVE, Etiebet, who holds the traditional title of Atuekong Annang in Akwa Ibom State, said: “This is a new great development in today’s Nigerian politics and I like it as we graduate from blind party loyalty to service delivery and performance.”
Etiebet stated that, “His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D, a PDP governor, having recognised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, an APC President for his services to the development of Akwa Ibom State, has been appreciating the President, first with conferring on him the highest traditional title of the State, the “Atuekong Akwa Ibom” and now endorsing him for second term in office as President against the wishes of his PDP Party, goes to open a new chapter in party politics and governance in Nigeria and I love it.
“And in an immediate response, the Senate President, Senator (Dr.) Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, the APC Leader in the State also endorsed Pastor Umo Eno, the PDP Governor of the State for his second term untainted.
“This is good news. Everybody in the State loves Pastor Umo Eno for his non-partisan performances and services in the State across all partylines.
“These cross-party endorsements in the State by the State’s two foremost parties’ leaders have put to rest all parties rancours in the State, paving the way for free, fair and peaceful up- coming elections in the State.
“I commend Pastor Umo Eno, Ph. D and Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON for this gesture, showing the way for us all to follow in the State.
“God bless united Akwa Ibom State to develop in peace and harmony for the benefit all.”
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