By Uko Okon
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, that his decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) is one he will never regret.
Tinubu gave this assurance on Saturday during a grand reception held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, to formally welcome Governor Eno into the party. Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President acknowledged the significant sacrifice made by the governor and pledged that he would not be forsaken in his political journey.
He emphasized that the APC is a party committed to unity, bridge-building, and inclusiveness, noting that with collective effort, the country would progress.
“We are here because we believe in building bridges, not walls, and mending fences, not destroying them. President Tinubu is a bridge builder, and your decision to join the APC is one you can never regret. The president assures you that you won’t be humiliated or forsaken. We are your brothers, and we will rise together. We are not just an assemblage of politicians—we are a family. We will stand by you as we stood by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who went through fire for our party. We are all with you, and we shall succeed together. On behalf of the President, I thank you for coming to the APC,” Shettima said.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks, applauded Governor Eno for his bold decision, noting that the governor had, from the outset, shown commitment to President Tinubu’s administration. He disclosed that among the governor’s requests was the realization of the Ibom Deep Seaport project and assured that the demand would be met alongside other federal interventions.
Pledging to ensure President Tinubu’s victory in the South South in the 2027 elections, Akpabio expressed optimism that the remaining two states in the region still controlled by the opposition would soon join the APC.
“What we have here today is not just a political movement but a demonstration of political maturity. You have placed the peace and development of Akwa Ibom State above party lines. Welcome to the progressive family. We know you will add value, not just numbers. I see things turning around for good in Akwa Ibom. You are a man of your word, and there’s nothing anyone can do to stop your momentum. Among the things you requested was the Ibom Deep Seaport. Don’t worry, we will give you more than you asked for,” Akpabio assured.
Governor Eno, in his remarks, recalled that he officially moved to the APC on June 6 to align Akwa Ibom with the federal government and support President Tinubu’s reform agenda for economic growth. He appealed for the realization of the Ibom Deep Seaport, a project the state has pursued for over 30 years.
“So, we are not afraid to join the APC because we believe this move will help us realize our Ibom Deep Seaport. Today, we are reassured by the federal government that we will have it. Akwa Ibom has 19.1 meters depth and does not require dredging. Even if we get just one terminal, this movement would have been justified. We have taken the risk to join the Senate President to deliver the President come 2027, and we know that every risk has a reward. Our reward should be the Ibom Deep Seaport,” the governor said.
APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, while welcoming Governor Eno to the party, described him as a wise man who understands the difference between national isolation and national unity. He expressed delight that four states in the South South are now governed by APC, and predicted that the remaining two currently in opposition would soon follow.
“Since we are progressive governors in the South South, it will be easier to take care of the problems of the region,” Ganduje stated.
