… “Your people shall be my people” – Pastor Umo Eno Assures
The 2023 governorship aspiration of Pastor Umo Eno has received a big boost today as the member representing Etinan Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon Onofiok Luke declared support and readiness to work with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate.
The declaration which took place at the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Nsit Ubium and the Oku Ibom Ibibio, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk was midwifed by Ifim Ibom Ibibio, the Supreme Council of Ibibio Traditional Rulers.
Speaking, Onofiok Luke who was one of the aspirants for the PDP guber ticket commended the Oku Ibom and the Ifim Ibom Ibibio, for initiating and brokering the reconciliation meeting saying he cannot disobey the voice of the highest traditional institution in Ibibio land.
According to him, “I will not decide for my campaign organisation. But I have accepted and as for me, Onofiok Akpan Luke, I will be working with my brother and leader, Pastor Umo Eno for the developement of Akwa Ibom State.
“I was contesting to be governor under the PDP. Though there have been overtures by other political parties, but as a party man, I must support the candidate of my party.
He emphasized that the decision to support Pastor Umo Eno was not induced but in humble submission to the royal fathers counsel and the desire for a better Akwa Ibom.
In his response, Pastor Eno commended Rt Hon Onofiok Luke for the show of humility and love for the Akwa Ibom project.
In his words, “I will work with you with open heart. I will never take this for granted. Help me reassure your teeming supporters that your people shall be my people.”
He also assured Hon. Luke and his supporters that most of the concerns for Akwa Ibom State as captured by their campaign organisation is well articulated in his blueprint tagged, the ARISE agenda” adding that he was ready to receive input to enrich it for the good of the state.
He seized the opportunity to presented his blueprint to Hon Luke and his team members.
Earlier in his remarks, the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President, Akwa Ibom Traditional Rulers Council harped on the need for peaceful coexistence and politics without bitterness.
He noted that Pastor Eno and Hon Luke are brothers, sons of Ibiakpan in Nsit where he is the traditional leader, adding that they must not allow politics to divide them but must show good example for others to follow.
While commending the duo for yielding to wise counsel, the Akwa Ibom foremost monarch charged them to work together in the interest of peace and overall development of Akwa Ibom people.
At the event were the Paramount Rulers of Uyo – Edidem Sylvanus Okon
Eket – Obong Etim C. Abia, Esit Eket – Edidem Ubong Assam, Ikot Abasi – Edidem UDO Joe Ntuk Obom, Nsit Atai – Edidem Peter Effiong Okon, and Ibesikpo Asutan – Etebom Clement Ekpenyong, Ibiono Ibom- Okuku (Dr.) Ime Udousoro, and Onna – Edidem Raymond Timothy Inyang.
