Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has extolled Governor Umo Eno for his peaceful, unifying and visionary leadership, describing him as a “master bridge-builder” whose governance style has restored harmony across political divides in the state.

Akpabio said this while addressing a party faithful and supporters at Etim Ekpo Township Stadium in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, during a reconciliation rally that culminated in the formal reception of Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem into the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Akpabio said Governor Eno’s disposition to peace and reconciliation had become a model of purposeful leadership.

“My Governor, you are indeed a practical man of peace and reconciliation. Your visionary and impactful leadership is truly phenomenal, and I am very proud of you,” Akpabio said as he commended him for reconciling Barrister Enoidem with his political associates in the APC.

He said, “meaningful development and progress can only take place in an atmosphere of peace and unity.”

While welcoming Enoidem, a former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, into the APC, Akpabio described him as a man of capacity, impact and integrity.

“This is reconnecting me to one of my political mentees. Barrister Enoidem represents hard work, steadfastness and excellent service. His return to us means huge peace and progress for Etim Ekpo and the entire Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District,” he said.

In his response, Governor Eno thanked the Senate President for honouring the event and lending his weight to the reconciliation process.

“Our success today would not have been possible without the fatherly love and care of Senator Godswill Akpabio,” the governor said.

“I also appreciate the liberal-mindedness and concern of Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem for choosing the path of lasting peace and unity for the overall good of our state.”

Earlier in his speech, Barrister Enoidem commended Governor Eno’s unyielding reconciliatory spirit, which he said made the historic reunion possible, and expressed delight at being reconciled with his former boss, Senator Akpabio.

He noted that, the reconciliation was in the best interest of the people of Etim Ekpo, the senatorial district and Akwa Ibom State at large.

The State Chairman of APC, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, praised both Governor Eno and Senator Akpabio for their sustained efforts at promoting peace, unity and political stability in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District and across the state.

He also commended Barrister Enoidem for what he described as exemplary life style and commitment to unity, before decorating him with the APC insignia to formally welcome him into the party.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Etim Ekpo Local Government Area, Hon. Gideon Uwah, thanked Governor Eno for being a unifying force whose leadership, he said, has saved the area from needless political conflicts.

He noted that through reconciliation and reunion among stakeholders, Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District and the state had become “one united family.”

Also, the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Enobong Uwah described the Senate President as a beacon of hope and pride to Akwa Ibom people, while expressing gratitude to his political mentor, Barrister Enoidem, for his guidance and support.