As Christians the world over celebrate 2023 yuletide, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, has joined worshippers at the United Evangelical Church, Awa Iman, Onna LGA where he shared fellowship with his Predecessor Mr. Udom Emmanuel.
Governor Eno who is a native of Ikot Ekpene Udo in Nsit-Ubium LGA of Akwa Ibom State, south south Nigeria said he was there to honour his predecessor and maintain the cordial relationship between them, to reciprocate the peace he has instituted in the state.
He urged the people of the state to cultivate the virtue of brotherly love and gratitude to reflect the purpose of Christmas and intensify the atmosphere of peace, harmony and prosperity.
“We’re here today only by the grace of God and we thank God that he has kept us alive,” he continued.
“For me, the summary of all is that if you are alive, please thank God, because anything could have happened at anytime.”
Dismissed as blatant lies the notion of the immediate past governor putting pressure on him in the administration of the State, he said. “On the contrary, we are the ones chasing him to ask him to always come around to advise us.”
“We will still keep running back to you for counsel and I say here on this altar as a Pastor, you have not brought any pressure on me. Not one.”
“If there’s anything, we’re the ones even running after you to ask for advice. So I want to thank you so much for who you are, for your principles.”
“I tell people that even when you are not in government, you are still working for this State.”
“In eight years, you taught us leadership, and you developed all of us. We have learnt from you, especially the lesson of tolerance.”
“You may no longer be Governor today, but you will always be my Governor and leader. You have a clear understanding of how these things work and I will always be your student.”
“it’s a promise I intend to keep, that for as long as God keeps me here, we will continue to come home with you for Christmas.
He said he believes that’s the least he can do to show love and respect, for seeing in him what others could not see.
“We have to still come around and show you that you are our leader, father and we still have a lot to learn from you.”
“I may be the governor today but you will always be my governor because you have gone ahead of me and you have a clearer understanding of how these things play out.”
Governor Eno announced that Akwa Ibom State International Christian Worship Center, established during Mr Emmanuel’s tenure, is ready and will be used for the New Year’s State Interdenominational Service on January 2nd, 2024.
He explained that the Center will be active every day as each day, a pastor and his team will take turn to pray for the State and our country at the State’s sacred altar.
Earlier, Mr Emmanuel, who was accompanied to the church by his wife, Dr Martha Emmanuel, and other family members said, “Any support I can give Governor Eno to enable him to succeed, I will always give him. I pray every day for him to succeed.”
“Don’t mind what people may say. We are relating very well,” he said both of them are inseparable.
“Don’t worry about the Governor’s relationship with Udom, because we are always here to support and collaborate and not to disrupt his activities,” Mr Emmanuel added.
“Let’s continually pray for him, and let’s also be patient. The king needs a little bit of patience from the people.”
He opined that God took time to do things in different days. “It is not possible for the Governor to do everything over night,” he explained.
Emmanuel said it has been his tradition to always share his Christmas with his people since his days as a Bank General Manager.
The host Minister Reverend Ukeme Udoudo, elaborated on the message of the angel on the birth of Jesus Christ in Luke 2:9-11, admonishing that as Christians celebrate Christmas, they should embrace the goodwill of God to man through his Messiah, Jesus.
Dignitaries in attendance were the Deputy Governor Dr Akon Eyakenyi, SSG Prince Enobong Uwah, Head of Civil Service Elder Effiong Essien , House of Reps Member for Etinan Federal Constituency Hon Paul Ekpo, Wife of former Governor Dr Mrs Martha Udom Emmanuel , Political Leader for Uyo Senatorial District ,Senator Effiong Bob and DG Umo Eno/Akon Eyakenyi Campaign Organisation Ambassador Assam Assam.
Others were immediate past Deputy Governor Mr Moses Ekpo, Senator Ekong Sampson, the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt Hon Udeme Otong , State PDP Chairman Rt. Hon Aniekan Akpan , Wife of Former Governor ,Mrs Fumi Nkanga, and Transition Committee Chairmen.
