Okon Bassey in Uyo
The Governor-elect of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has called on all his political opponents in the state to forget their differences and join him in building a united and prosperous state.
Pastor Eno made the call when the leaders of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) with their defeated governorship candidates visited him to throw their weight behind the governor-elect.
He said: “This is the beginning of the healing process. The elections are over. The healing process must begin. We must work together to develop our state. This is not my personal project but our own Akwa Ibom project. We must bring our ideas together, harmonise it and implement it together for the good of our people.”
According to the governor-elect, “We will run an inclusive government. It will not be a winner takes all affairs because no one will be left behind.”
He said he would not be surprised if one or two of his opponents may still go to court in spite of his overwhelming victory in 29 of the 31 local government areas of the states.
Eno advised aggrieved opponents to
spend their money wisely rather than waste it on litigations, saying: “That money can be well spent by using it to help our underprivileged people.
“Instead, let’s come together, sit together, talk together and join hands in building a greater Akwa Ibom State for the benefit of our people.
“As a pastor, I have the ministry of reconciliation, and I habour no ill-feeling towards any man. All I want to see is a happy and prosperous Akwa Ibom people.”
Speaking on behalf of IPAC, the state Chairman, Hon. Ubong Emmanuel, expressed delight over the meeting, which he said was the beginning of greater days for the state.
He acknowledged that the state Governor, Udom Emmanuel, and the key stakeholders who endorsed Pastor Eno actually made a good choice.
He said: “Those of us (governorship candidates) who really wish we are in your shoes today are here to celebrate and work together with you as the one God has chosen.”
The state governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Ita Ekpo, said he is not against his fellow governorship candidate who may wish to go to court, but he considered that route a waste of time and resources.
