The leadership of the Ibibio Traditional Council in Akwa Ibom State has pledged total support for the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, described both leaders as partners in the progress and unity of Nigeria.
The traditional rulers made the declaration on Friday when the Senate President paid a courtesy visit to the Nsit Ubium Palace of the Oku Ibom Ibibio, His Eminence, Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, in the company of some members of the National Assembly.
Welcoming Akpabio and his delegation, the Oku Ibom Ibibio described the Senate President as “a son of the soil and a source of pride to the Ibibio nation.”
“This is our son, and we are very happy to receive him in this palace,” the monarch said. “We know what he can do and are proud of his achievements as the Senate President.”
In what appeared to be a veiled response to social media attacks against the Senate President by some critics from the state, Ntenyin Etuk reaffirmed the traditional institution’s confidence in Akpabio’s integrity and leadership.
“We know who Godswill Obot Akpabio is. If we say we do not know him, it means we are not his people. As a king, I know my children the good and the bad but grace has clearly distinguished him,” he said.
The royal father commended President Tinubu for recognizing Akpabio’s capacity and giving him a key role in national governance, saying, “To whom much is given, much is expected, and one good turn deserves another.”
He urged the Senate President to work towards realizing the long-envisioned Akwa Ibom Seaport Project, which he said would stimulate economic development and create opportunities for the people.
The monarch also lauded the Senate for passing critical legislation, including the recent bill addressing the defilement of minors, describing it as a major step in protecting the nation’s children.
In his remarks, Senator Akpabio expressed deep appreciation to the Ibibio royal fathers for their warm reception, even on short notice, and praised Ntenyin Etuk for his role as a “father of peace.”
“The most costly peace is better than the cheapest war,” Akpabio said. “Your fatherly guidance has helped sustain unity in Akwa Ibom. Please extend my greetings to our governor, Pastor Umo Eno another man of peace who not only says it but lives it.”
The Senate President, who hails from the Annang ethnic group, described his visit to the palace as a symbol of reconciliation and renewed unity in Akwa Ibom State.
“My visit here today represents a new dawn of peace and togetherness. Akwa Ibom is united under Governor Umo Eno because of his decision to link the state to the centre by joining the APC. I will support him one hundred percent to succeed,” he said.
Akpabio disclosed that he had personally handed over the party structure in the state to Governor Eno following his decision to join the ruling APC, in the interest of peace and progress.
At the end of the visit, the Ibibio royal fathers offered prayers for Senator Akpabio, his family, and his continued success in office.
