His Eminence, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, the Oku Ibom Ibibio and Paramount Ruler of Nsit Ubium LGA, has characterized Pastor Umo Eno, a seasoned entrepreneur and top Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship hopeful, as one of the best materials to come out of Ibibio country. His Eminence Etuk, speaking during a consultation visit to Ifim Ibom Ibibio by Pastor Umo Eno’s 2023 Campaign Organization, said power belongs to God and advised the aspirant not to overlook the traditional institution.
Pastor Eno was urged by the respected monarch to treat the youths with decency and to ensure their wellbeing, expressing trust in the aspirant’s ability to lead the state to new heights.
He urged him to manage the state with the fear of God when he takes office, as well as to maintain the state’s existing peace as a man with the fear of God.
His Royal Majesty, Edidem Ime Udousoro Inyang, Chairman of Ifim Ibom Ibibio and Paramount Ruler of Ibiono Ibibio, said they represent the people’s interests and support the administration in power.
The body is available to other aspirants for advice, according to the Royal Father, and they will listen to them and act on their comments.
He prayed that God would bless the aspirant and guide him through a successful consultation, and he advised him to conduct himself in a peaceful and respectful manner.
In his response, the frontrunner promised traditional rulers that when he becomes governor in 2023, their lives would be better.
Ifim Ibom Ibibio, the gubernatorial candidate, characterized Ifim Ibom Ibibio as the “true guardian of peace at the grassroots,” noting that the visit was a gesture of honour and respect to the royal fathers in order to seek their blessing for a successful outing.
He recounted a period of anarchy in the state during which even a Paramount Ruler’s palace and churches were desecrated, offering to build on the state’s current calm and security if elected.
Pastor Eno committed to building on what Governor Emmanuel has done for the traditional institutions in the state, as well as treating them with the respect and honor they deserve. He also promised to confer with the Royal Fathers on significant government policies and programs.
He promised the monarchs that he would offer basic social amenities at the grassroots and create jobs for the state’s teeming unemployed youths, claiming that this would keep them off the streets and give them a purpose in life.
“Over the years, I’ve been aiding kids in my own way, and I’m really passionate about equipping them with the tools they need to stand on their own and live better lives.”
“Though some people blackmailed me that I deduct tithes from my staff salaries. I can challenge anyone to come out and testify and give evidence that this happened because we have their payslips and I have never deducted tithe from my staff salary”, he declared.
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He noted that he is an entrepreneur who knows how to make money doing business and has also achieved a lot and contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of the state by creating jobs for Akwa Ibom youths as private individuals without government appointments or resources.
“I’ll not disappoint Ibibio. I’ll support Ifim Ibom Ibibio and the Traditional Rulers Council and give them their pride of place,” Pastor Umo Eno assured.
The Director-General of Campaign, Amb. Assam Assam, SAN in his remarks expressed gratitude to the leadership of Ifim Ibom Ibibio whom he described as the custodians of the norms and values of Ibibio people for receiving the team.
He said the visit was to give respect and honour the body deserves and also solicit their support for the governorship aspiration of Pastor Umo Eno.
On his part, the National Chairman of Maintain Peace Movement (PMP), Barr Emmanuel Enoidem, commended the traditional rulers for supporting Governor Udom Emmanuel to sustain the peace and tranquility in Akwa Ibom State by maintaining peace in their different domains.
He described the aspirant as a man of impeccable character and a successful businessman who will perpetuate, sustain and promote peace and prosperity in the state.
Similarly, the Political Leader of Uyo Senatorial District, Senator Effiong Bob assured the body that the aspirant would not disappoint them and Akwa Ibom people, stating that he is credible, trustworthy, and available to serve the state effectively when elected governor of the state.
