President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has congratulated the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, and the people of the state on the 38th anniversary of its creation, called for unity and collective commitment to take the state to greater heights.
In a goodwill message personally signed by him, Senator Akpabio commended the resilience, steadfastness, and cooperation of Akwa Ibomites with successive administrations since the state’s creation on September 23, 1987.
The Senate President, who governed Akwa Ibom between 2007 and 2015, expressed gratitude for the privilege given to him to serve, noting that he never took the trust and confidence of the people for granted.
“Akwa Ibom presented me to the world. The good people of this great state gave me the mantle to become their light bearer for peace, development and good governance at the sub-national level and beyond,” he said.
Reflecting on the journey so far, Akpabio appreciated the foresight of former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), for creating the state, while also paying glowing tributes to past administrators and governors, including Tunde Ogbeha, Godwin Abbe, Idongesit Nkanga, Akpan Isemin, Yakubu Bako, Joseph Adeusi, John Ebiye, Victor Attah, and Udom Emmanuel, for laying strong foundations.
He praised Governor Umo Eno for his inclusive and visionary leadership, stressing that Akwa Ibom has remained a hub of peace and development under his stewardship. He particularly commended him for reconnecting the state to the centre, which, he noted, positions Akwa Ibom for a more prominent role in Nigeria’s federation.
“As the number one ambassador of the state at the federal level, I will continue to espouse those values and sterling qualities that make Akwa Ibomites stand out whenever they are entrusted with authority and responsibility,” Akpabio pledged.
The Senate President urged the people to rally behind Governor Eno and other leaders in building a brighter and more prosperous future for the state.
“On behalf of my family, my constituents, the Senate and the entire National Assembly, I wish Governor Umo Eno and the people of the state renewed hope, unity and progress as we celebrate this milestone and look forward to better days ahead,” he added.
