…Says It Validates Mandate Given By A’Ibom Electorate


The village head of Ekpri Nsukara Offot in the Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Eteidung Emem Denis Asikpo, has hailed Pastor Umo Eno on the affirmation of his victory by the Supreme Court.

Eteidung Asikpo asserts that the sequence of victories from the gubernatorial polls of March 18, 2023, to the Election Petition Tribunal, the Appeal Court, and finally at the Supreme Court on Thursday, January 11, 2024, have proven that Pastor Eno was divinely chosen to govern Akwa Ibom State.

The village head, while describing the Supreme Court’s verdict as just and fair as well as a victory for all Akwa Ibomites, urged all opposition candidates to accept the outcome in good faith and to respect the mandate overwhelmingly given to Governor Eno by the electorate in the state.

He said that the news of the Supreme Court judgement was received with jubilation by indigenes and residents of Ekpri Nsukara Offot, a thickly populated community along Nwaniba Road and a co-host of the Federal Government-owned University of Uyo (UNIUYO) permanent site.

The royal father pledged the continued cooperation of his community to the Governor Eno-led administration to enable him to fully realise the implementation of his lofty ARISE Agenda Programme for the State.

He commended the governor for his numerous people’s-oriented achievements so far in office, such as payment of pension and gratuity, road works at Akpan Andem Market, Atiku Abubakar Flood Control and erosion works in Ewet Offot, and other numerous projects in education, health, agriculture, and housing.

Eteidung Asikpo noted with applause Governor Eno’s inclusive approach to governance and administering the state beyond partisan lines by relating well with President Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and others.

He said, “We are very happy that the Supreme Court has given a just and fair verdict in line with the outcome of the March 18, 2023, gubernatorial election in Akwa Ibom State. Opposition candidates should give peace a chance and accept the verdict in good faith.

“It is very clear that Pastor Umo Bassey Eno was divinely chosen to govern Akwa Ibom State. You can see this from the sequence of victories from the gubernatorial polls of March 18, 2023, the Election Petition Tribunal, the Appeal Court, and now the Supreme Court delivered on Thursday, January 11, 2024. As it is often said in Latin, Vox populi, Vox dei (the voice of the people is the voice of God).

“Now that the battle is over, let all hands be on deck now through support, solidarity, and prayers for the general good of Akwa Ibom State. We are lucky to have a governor like Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, who is godly and has the interests of the people and the state at heart. Right from when he was chosen as the flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and presented to the Akwa Ibom people, it was obvious that he was the rightful choice, and today that has been confirmed.

“Indigenes of my community and residents alike will continue to give our total cooperation to the Governor Umo Bassey Eno-led administration so that he can effectively implement the ARISE Agenda programme and bring dividends of democracy to the people,” he stated.

"Every component of the ARISE Agenda has been kicked off, and its impact is being felt across the state. All that is needed now is to ensure total support, solidarity, and prayers for the success of our dear governor and his good plans for the state."

He also used the opportunity to wish a happy New Year to indigenes and residents of his community and appreciated them for their cooperation with his leadership since his ascension as the village head, assuring them of his unwavering commitment to administer the village well at all times.