Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has warned socio-cultural groups and other stakeholders to desist from using their platforms to promote ethnic tension and rivalry in the state.
The governor threatened to disband any group that flouts the warning.
Speaking at a special interdenominational service to mark the 39th anniversary of the state’s creation, Eno stated that he would guard the peace in the state jealously and would not allow anyone to sow any seed of discord.
“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 hand in 2031, Akwa Ibom would still remain. Therefore, let’s put our state above our temporary differences,” he added.
Eno also used the occasion to clarify that he has never reported anyone to any anti-graft agency, stressing that political actors should tone down on political rhetorics, and focus on issues and the future of Akwa Ibom State.
“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. So when people don’t have anything to say, and said that I reported my predecessor to the EFCC, the person has not solution, no clue about governance. Don’t allow people tell you lies, we will continue to respect our leaders, and the culture of respect is part of me,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to God for the journey of the state so far, and the blessings of a succession of good leaders who have all been committed to good governance, progress and development.
In his remarks, the state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Bishop Christian Nyong, appreciated God for His numerous blessings upon Akwa Ibom State.
He urged everyone to remain peaceful in tandem with Christian teachings, especially as the 2027 elections approach, stressing on the need to play by the rules.
Akwa Ibom: Stop stoking ethnic tension, tribalism – Eno warns groups, stakeholders