Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has commenced strategic consultations with traditional rulers across the state as part of early moves to secure their support, blessings and endorsement ahead of the 2027 governorship election, while highlighting his administration’s impressive achievements in grassroots development, welfare of the traditional institution and major economic projects.

The Governor made the appeal and declaration on Tuesday during a high-level consultative visit to the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers at their Chambers in Uyo, the state capital, where he formally informed the royal fathers of his intention to seek a second term in office and solicited their fatherly support, prayers and guidance for a successful re-election bid.

During the meeting, which was attended by paramount rulers from all 31 local government areas of the state, Governor Eno announced that November 16, 2026, has been fixed as the official date for the flag-off of his second-term campaign, with Mkpat Enin Local Government Area chosen as the venue for the epoch-making political event that is expected to attract thousands of supporters.

Governor Eno explained that the decision to consult the traditional institution collectively, rather than visiting each traditional ruler individually in their respective domains, was informed by the limited campaign period of about two months as stipulated by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, which makes it practically difficult to visit every royal father one after the other.

He said the collective consultation was also on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, himself and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Akwa Ibom State, who will be contesting various positions in the 2027 general elections, noting that the traditional institution remains a critical stakeholder in the democratic process and in the maintenance of peace and stability.

The Governor used the occasion to reel out some of the key achievements of his administration in the last three and a half years, particularly in the areas of grassroots development, rural infrastructure, human capital development, peace and security, as well as the promotion of the welfare, dignity and status of the traditional institution in Akwa Ibom State.

According to him, his administration has embarked on numerous grassroots development projects, including construction and rehabilitation of rural roads, provision of potable water, renovation of primary healthcare centres, upgrading of primary and secondary schools, and empowerment of rural dwellers through various intervention programmes under the ARISE Agenda of his government.

He noted that his government has shown uncommon commitment to the welfare of traditional rulers by ensuring regular payment of their stipends, provision of official vehicles, renovation of palaces, involvement of traditional rulers in governance and security matters, and recognition of their role as custodians of culture, tradition and grassroots mobilisers for development.

Governor Eno also highlighted his administration’s strides in major economic projects, including the development of the Ibom Deep Seaport, the revitalisation of the Victor Attah International Airport, promotion of agricultural revolution, establishment of industrial estates, and attraction of foreign and local investments to the state, which he said have created jobs and boosted the economy of Akwa Ibom.

In a major announcement that elicited loud applause from the royal fathers, Governor Eno announced the appointment of the Paramount Ruler of Abak Local Government Area and Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Majesty, Okuku Saviour Sylvester Udofia, as the Chancellor of the Akwa Ibom State University of Education, Afaha Nsit.

He further announced the appointment of the Paramount Ruler of Eket Local Government Area, His Royal Majesty, Eteidung Bisi Abia, Edidem E. C. D. Abia, as the Chancellor of the Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Ikot Ekpene, describing the appointments as well-deserved and a recognition of the royal fathers’ contributions to education and community development.

The Governor said the appointments were in line with his administration’s policy of giving traditional rulers pride of place in governance, promoting their involvement in education and youth development, and leveraging their wisdom, experience and influence to advance the cause of higher education and human capital development in Akwa Ibom State.

He expressed confidence that the two revered traditional rulers will bring their wealth of experience, fatherly guidance, moral authority and community leadership to bear in their new roles as Chancellors of the two state-owned tertiary institutions, thereby enhancing the image, stability and growth of the institutions.

Responding on behalf of the traditional institution, the President-General of the Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers and Oku Ibom Ibibio, His Eminence, Ntenyin Dr. Solomon Etuk, praised Governor Eno’s leadership style, humility, peaceful disposition and commitment to due process, accountability and responsible management of public funds.

Ntenyin Etuk said the traditional rulers have been keenly observing the Governor’s performance in office and are impressed by his achievements in the areas of peace building, grassroots development, infrastructure renewal, human capital development and promotion of unity, love and brotherhood among the diverse ethnic groups in Akwa Ibom State.

He noted that Governor Eno’s administration has brought a new lease of life to the traditional institution by restoring dignity, respect and relevance to the royal fathers, involving them in decision-making processes and ensuring that their welfare and well-being are given priority attention in the scheme of things in the state.

The Oku Ibom Ibibio said the traditional rulers are particularly happy with the Governor’s ARISE Agenda, which he described as a well-thought-out developmental blueprint that has positively impacted the lives of ordinary people in rural communities, empowered women and youths and promoted inclusive governance and sustainable development across the state.

He assured the Governor that the traditional rulers in Akwa Ibom State will continue to support, pray for and partner with his administration in the maintenance of peace, security and stability in their respective domains, as well as in the mobilization of their subjects for developmental projects and programmes of the state government.

Speaking further, the royal father said the traditional institution in Akwa Ibom State has unanimously resolved to support Governor Umo Eno’s second-term ambition, describing his re-election as being in the best interest of the state, as it will ensure continuity, consolidation of ongoing projects and completion of all initiatives started by his administration for the benefit of Akwa Ibom people.

Other paramount rulers who spoke at the event, including the Paramount Ruler of Uyo, the Paramount Ruler of Ikot Abasi and the Paramount Ruler of Oron, corroborated the position of the Oku Ibom Ibibio, commending the Governor for his inclusive leadership, respect for traditional institutions and commitment to grassroots development and rural transformation.

They noted that under Governor Eno’s watch, Akwa Ibom State has enjoyed relative peace, security and harmony, which they attributed to his peaceful disposition, godly leadership, ability to carry everyone along and his deliberate policy of not playing politics with development, but focusing on projects that directly impact the lives of ordinary people in the state.

The royal fathers also commended the Governor for his handling of the affairs of the state, particularly his prudent management of resources, prompt payment of workers’ salaries, pensions and gratuities, execution of people-oriented projects and his humility in relating with all classes of people, including traditional rulers, religious leaders and ordinary citizens.

They prayed for God’s guidance, wisdom, protection and good health for the Governor as he prepares to flag off his second-term campaign and contest the 2027 governorship election, expressing optimism that his second term will bring more development, more prosperity, more peace and more progress to Akwa Ibom State and its people.

In his closing remarks, Governor Eno thanked the traditional rulers for their warm reception, fatherly advice, prayers and overwhelming support, assuring them that his administration will continue to hold the traditional institution in high esteem, partner with them for peace and development and ensure that their welfare remains a top priority in the scheme of things.

He also assured the royal fathers that if re-elected for a second term, his administration will do even more in the areas of grassroots development, rural infrastructure, economic empowerment, security and promotion of Akwa Ibom culture and traditions, stressing that his ultimate goal is to leave Akwa Ibom State better, more prosperous and more united than he met it in 2023.