Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has warned individuals and socio-cultural groups against using their platforms to promote tribalism and ethnic rivalry in the state.
The Governor said his administration will not hesitate to disband any group found promoting division and ethnic tension.
Governor Eno gave the warning on Sunday, September 20, 2026, during the special interdenominational thanksgiving service to mark the 39th anniversary of the state’s creation.
The service was held at the International Christian Worship Center, The Dome, in Uyo. He said the peace and unity currently enjoyed across Akwa Ibom must not be taken for granted by any group or individual.
The Governor stressed that peace remains the greatest achievement of the state in 39 years and must be protected by all.
“Of all the achievements we have recorded in this State, there is one of them that must not be taken for granted. It is called peace. Our peace is priceless, our unity is priceless, and brotherhood is priceless, let us protect them,” he said.
He noted that political, ethnic and religious differences should never be allowed to degenerate into hatred, division and hostility. According to him, Akwa Ibom people may disagree politically but must still love one another as one people.
“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,” he added.
“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,” Governor Eno stated.
He appealed to socio-cultural and socio-political groups to desist from promoting division and instead use their platforms to foster unity, progress and growth.
The Governor also used the occasion to debunk rumours that he reported his predecessor to anti-graft agencies. He said since he assumed office, he has not petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, against anyone.
“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,” he said.
He added, “So when people don’t have anything to say, and said that I reported my predecessor to the EFCC, the person has no 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.”
Governor Eno reiterated that his decision to make a progressive movement for enlightened state interest should be commended as visionary considering present political realities.
He advised candidates of different political parties in the forthcoming elections and the electorate to remember that power belongs to God. “All power belongs to God and He gives it to whoever He willeth,” he said.
The Governor expressed gratitude to God for the journey of the state in 39 years and for blessing the state with a succession of good leaders.
He commended critical stakeholders who have supported his administration in commissioning some of the 39 projects slated for the anniversary month.
In his sermon themed “Preparation of Akwa Ibom for the season of milk and honey with thanksgiving” drawn from Psalm 103:1-3, Bishop David Abioye said sincere thanksgiving brings great wonders.
Bishop Abioye, who is the Presiding Bishop of Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly, said the 39th anniversary was significant as it prepares the ground for the 40th.
He listed inspiring vision, wise planning, continuous promotion of unity, cooperation of stakeholders, fear of God and love for God as ingredients for greater height. In his remarks, the State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Bishop Christian Nyong, thanked God for His blessings upon the state at 39.
Bishop Nyong also appreciated God for the gift of Governor Umo Eno and his development strides across the state. He urged Akwa Ibom people to remain peaceful in line with Christian teachings, especially as the 2027 general elections approach.
The interdenominational service featured praises, worship, choir ministrations, prayers and a Bible reading from Psalm 103:1-5 taken by the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno-Obareki.
Dignitaries at the service included the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, and former Military Administrators Group Captain John Ebiye (rtd) and Col. Yakubu Bako (rtd).
Others were Rev. Simeon Afolabi, Secretary to the State Government Prince Enobong Uwah, Executive Assistant and Chief Delivery Adviser Mr Aniefiok Johnson, wife of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Lady Esitmbom Ekpo, popular gospel singer Pastor Nathaniel Bassey, members of the State Executive Council, political stalwarts, members of the clergy, royal fathers and captains of industry.
