NIGERIA, UYO – Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has praised Rt. Hon. Precious Selong of the Urue Offong/Oruko State Constituency for balancing political office with marital responsibilities, describing her as “a model contemporary African woman,” according to information posted by Chief Press Secretary Ekerete Udoh on his Facebook page.
Governor Eno gave the commendation during the 25th wedding anniversary of Selong and her husband, Elder Selong Edem, held at Methodist Church Nigeria, Uyo, noting that her political growth had not undermined her home.
He told the congregation that he attended the ceremony as an act of thanksgiving, stressing that “not many women grow politically and still maintain their homes,” which he said should serve as a lesson for younger female leaders.
The Governor added that political office could strain marriages if not properly managed, explaining that Selong’s ability to reassure her husband of his place contributed to the stability of their 25-year union.
He also thanked the Methodist Church for its support during his electioneering, urging Christians to shun negative criticism and work together to build a peaceful and united Akwa Ibom.
Governor Eno assured the church community of his commitment to transparent leadership, saying his administration was “building block upon block” to deliver democratic dividends, even though “no government can solve every problem.”
He announced the opening of the State Christmas Festival on December 1 and declared a complete ban on masquerades, citing their use in “terrorizing and extorting citizens.” He directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute defaulters.
“This is a Christian State,” he said, warning local government chairmen not to include masquerades in cultural displays during the festivities.
The Governor further directed the Accountant-General to pay the 13th-month salary, popularly known as Eno-mber, before December 20 and promised the distribution of rice to villages across the State for the festive season.
Preaching on “Two Are Better Than One,” Archbishop John E. Koko-Bassey described Selong as a woman who had sustained her leadership duties without sacrificing her matrimonial values, urging couples to emulate the example.
Rt. Hon. Selong thanked the Governor for honouring the event and commended his people-focused policies, pledging continued support for his administration beyond 2027.
