President Bola Tinubu on Saturday formally welcomed Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State into the All Progressives Congress (APC), assuring the state of stronger federal support under the new political alignment.
At a grand reception held in Uyo, the state capital, President Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said Governor Eno’s move to the APC marked a new era of progress and inclusion for the people of Akwa Ibom.
“In APC we build bridges, and not walls. We mend fences, not destroying it. Our president is a bridge builder, your decision to join APC is one you can never regret,” Shettima said.
“Be assured that you won’t be humiliated or forsaken, we are your brothers, we shall rise together. We are not an assemblage of politicians, we are a family.
“We will stand by you, as we stood by Godswill Akpabio, who went through fire because of our party. We are all with you, we shall succeed together,” he added.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the event as a reunification of the South-South region with the federal centre. He praised Eno’s decision as a symbol of political maturity and commitment to development.
“What we have here today is not just a political movement, but political maturity. Eno has placed the peace and development of Akwa Ibom above party lines.
“We say welcome to the progressive family. We are convinced that you will add value and not only number to the family. We shall move from celebrations to collaborations.
“I see things turning around for good in Akwa Ibom, you are a man of your words, there is nothing anybody can do to you,” Akpabio declared.
Speaking earlier, Governor Eno said his defection to the APC was driven by a desire to align with the federal government’s economic agenda and bring greater development to the state. He specifically mentioned the Ibom Deep Seaport project as a major motivation.
“We are not afraid to join APC, we know that with our new party, we will realise our Ibom Deep Seaport project, this is our plea.
“Akwa Ibom people look up to the president, we are hopeful that this movement will bring blessings to us,” he stated.
Governor Eno pledged the support of Akwa Ibom people to the president’s developmental goals and expressed hope that the partnership would help secure a second term for Tinubu.
Presenting the APC flag to Governor Eno, the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, commended the governor’s decision, describing him as “wise and foresighted.”
Ganduje urged him to remain focused and committed to implementing people-centered programmes in the state.
It will be recalled that Governor Eno, who was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), announced his defection to the ruling APC on June 6.
