A’Ibom Anniversary: Eno Calls for Peace, Unity, Warns Against Ethnic Division
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has called for continued peace and unity across the state, warning socio-cultural, socio-political and other groups against using their platforms to promote ethnic tension, rivalry and division.
The governor gave the warning on Sunday, September 20, 2026, during a special interdenominational service held at the International Christian Worship Center, Uyo, as part of activities marking the 39th anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State.
Eno said his administration would not allow any group to undermine the peace and unity of the state, stressing that groups that flout the warning could be disbanded.
He described peace, unity and brotherhood as among the most important achievements the state must protect.
“Of all the achievements we have recorded in this State, there is one of them that must not be taken for granted. It is called peace. Our peace is priceless, our unity is priceless, and brotherhood is priceless. Let us protect them.”
The governor said political, ethnic and religious differences should not become sources of hatred or division among the people.
He added: “Political differences must never become personal hatred, ethnic differences must never become division, and religious differences must never become hostility.
“We may disagree and still love one another. We may belong to different political parties and still belong to one Akwa Ibom; because when the politics is over, Akwa Ibom would remain. When political office would change hands in 2031, Akwa Ibom would still remain.
“Therefore, let’s put our State above our temporary differences.”
Eno also appealed to socio-cultural and socio-political organisations to use their platforms to promote unity, peace and development rather than division.
The governor further addressed claims concerning the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), stating that he had never reported anyone to the anti-graft agency since assuming office.
“I want to say on this altar of the living God that since I got into governance, I have not reported one soul to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, not one, and I don’t intend to do so because there is nothing to report,” he said.
Eno urged political actors to tone down their rhetoric and concentrate on issues affecting the development and future of Akwa Ibom.
He also defended his decision to pursue what he described as a progressive movement focused on enlightened state interests, saying it was a visionary step in view of the current political circumstances in the country.
Ahead of the forthcoming elections, the governor advised candidates and voters to recognise the sovereignty of God, stressing that political power ultimately belongs to God.
He thanked God for the journey of Akwa Ibom State over the past 39 years and acknowledged the contributions of past leaders to the state’s development.
Eno also commended stakeholders who had supported his administration in commissioning some of the 39 projects lined up for commissioning as part of the anniversary celebrations.
Bishop Abioye Preaches Thanksgiving
Speaking on the theme, “Preparation of Akwa Ibom for the Season of Milk and Honey with Thanksgiving,” drawn from Psalm 103:1-3, the Presiding Bishop of Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly, Bishop David Abioye, said sincere thanksgiving to God could bring great wonders to individuals and communities.
Abioye described the 39th anniversary as significant because it provides an opportunity to prepare for the state’s 40th anniversary.
He identified inspiring vision, wise planning, continuous promotion of unity, stakeholder cooperation, working in the fear of God and love for God as key ingredients for achieving greater development.
The State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Christian Nyong, also thanked God for His blessings upon Akwa Ibom State and commended Governor Eno for his administration’s development efforts.
Nyong urged residents to maintain peace as the 2027 elections approach and encouraged political actors to play by the rules.
The service featured praise and worship sessions, choir ministrations, prayers and a Bible reading from Psalm 103:1-5, taken by the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno-Obareki.
Those present included Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong; former military head of state, Group Captain John Ebiye (rtd); Col. Yakubu Bako (rtd); Rev. Simeon Afolabi; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Adviser to the Governor, Mr Aniefiok Johnson; Lady Esitmbom Ekpo, wife of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas); Nigerian singer and trumpeter, Pastor Nathaniel Bassey; members of the State Executive Council; political leaders; clergy; traditional rulers; captains of industry and other stakeholders.
