Akwa Ibom @39: Eno Calls for Peace, Unity, Warns Against Ethnic Division

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has called for continued peace and unity across the state, warning socio-cultural, socio-political and other groups against using their platforms to promote ethnic tension, rivalry and division.
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The governor gave the warning on Sunday, September 20, 2026, during a special interdenominational service held at the International Christian Worship Center, Uyo, as part of activities marking the 39th anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State.

Eno said his administration would not allow any group to undermine the peace and unity of the state, stressing that groups that flout the warning could be disbanded.
He described peace, unity and brotherhood as among the most important achievements the state must protect.

“Of all the achievements we have recorded in this State, there is one of them that must not be taken for granted. It is called peace. Our peace is priceless, our unity is priceless, and brotherhood is priceless. Let us protect them.”

The governor said political, ethnic and religious differences should not become sources of hatred or division among the people.
He added: “Political differences must never become personal hatred, ethnic differences must never become division, and religious differences must never become hostility.

“We may disagree and still love one another. We may belong to different political parties and still belong to one Akwa Ibom; because when the politics is over, Akwa Ibom would remain. When political office would change hands in 2031, Akwa Ibom would still remain.
“Therefore, let’s put our State above our temporary differences.”

Eno also appealed to socio-cultural and socio-political organisations to use their platforms to promote unity, peace and development rather than division.

The governor further addressed claims concerning the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), stating that he had never reported anyone to the anti-graft agency since assuming office.

“I want to say on this altar of the living God that since I got into governance, I have not reported one soul to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, not one, and I don’t intend to do so because there is nothing to report,” he said.

Eno urged political actors to tone down their rhetoric and concentrate on issues affecting the development and future of Akwa Ibom.
He also defended his decision to pursue what he described as a progressive movement focused on enlightened state interests, saying it was a visionary step in view of the current political circumstances in the country.

Ahead of the forthcoming elections, the governor advised candidates and voters to recognise the sovereignty of God, stressing that political power ultimately belongs to God.
He thanked God for the journey of Akwa Ibom State over the past 39 years and acknowledged the contributions of past leaders to the state’s development.
Eno also commended stakeholders who had supported his administration in commissioning some of the 39 projects lined up for commissioning as part of the anniversary celebrations.

Bishop Abioye Preaches Thanksgiving
Speaking on the theme, “Preparation of Akwa Ibom for the Season of Milk and Honey with Thanksgiving,” drawn from Psalm 103:1-3, the Presiding Bishop of Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly, Bishop David Abioye, said sincere thanksgiving to God could bring great wonders to individuals and communities.

Abioye described the 39th anniversary as significant because it provides an opportunity to prepare for the state’s 40th anniversary.
He identified inspiring vision, wise planning, continuous promotion of unity, stakeholder cooperation, working in the fear of God and love for God as key ingredients for achieving greater development.

The State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Christian Nyong, also thanked God for His blessings upon Akwa Ibom State and commended Governor Eno for his administration’s development efforts.
Nyong urged residents to maintain peace as the 2027 elections approach and encouraged political actors to play by the rules.
The service featured praise and worship sessions, choir ministrations, prayers and a Bible reading from Psalm 103:1-5, taken by the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno-Obareki.

Umo Eno

Those present included Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong; former military head of state, Group Captain John Ebiye (rtd); Col. Yakubu Bako (rtd); Rev. Simeon Afolabi; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Adviser to the Governor, Mr Aniefiok Johnson; Lady Esitmbom Ekpo, wife of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas); Nigerian singer and trumpeter, Pastor Nathaniel Bassey; members of the State Executive Council; political leaders; clergy; traditional rulers; captains of industry and other stakeholders.
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Governor Eno Approves Appointment Letters for 4,000 Civil Service Recruitment Beneficiaries

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has directed the State Civil Service Commission to immediately commence the issuance of appointment letters to 4,000 successful candidates who participated in the recently concluded civil service recruitment exercise.
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Governor Eno gave the directive on Friday, September 18, 2026, when he received the report of the recruitment exercise from a team led by the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service Commission, Mrs. Ekerebong Umoh, at Government House, Uyo.
The Governor also approved the recruitment of an additional 2,000 teachers by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) to complement the model primary schools constructed across the state.

Governor Eno commended the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, Mrs. Ekerebong Umoh; the Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong; the Head of Service, Mrs. Elsie Peters; and other members of the recruitment team for their diligence, transparency and commitment to ensuring a level playing field for all applicants.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing fair and equal opportunities for Akwa Ibom people willing to serve the state.
The Governor recalled that a friend had contacted him seeking preferential treatment for his son during the recruitment exercise, but he advised him to allow the young man to go through the established process. The applicant eventually emerged successful.

“Today is one day I feel very happy to serve the State. We can say truthfully that we had a transparent recruitment exercise, and the people coming in will value the job because they know they worked hard to come into the service.

“I only hope and trust God that when we finish our tour of duty, posterity will be kind to us. Posterity will be able to see what we actually wanted to achieve, that for once we can have an Akwa Ibom State where everybody can be somebody,” Governor Eno said.

Presenting the report of the recruitment exercise, Mrs. Umoh thanked Governor Eno for creating employment opportunities for thousands of unemployed youths through what she described as a fair and transparent recruitment process.

She disclosed that more than 36,000 candidates registered for the recruitment exercise through the official portal, while 12,000 candidates qualified to participate in the first-stage interview.
According to her, candidates who scored 50 per cent and above in the Computer-Based Test (CBT) proceeded to the oral interview stage for the final selection.

Umo Eno

She said the recruitment exercise was comprehensive and demanding due to the large number of applicants, adding that the process was conducted to ensure fairness and transparency.

Those present at the meeting included the Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Head of Service, Mrs. Elsie Peters; Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Advisor, Mr. Aniefiok Johnson; and other government officials.
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Premium 89.9FM Honours Gov Umo Eno as Most Performing Governor in Nigeria

Premium 89.9FM has honoured the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, Ph.D., with the Most Performing Governor in Nigeria 2026 award, citing the developmental strides of his administration under the ARISE Agenda.
The award was presented on Thursday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Premium 89.9FM, Mrs. Maureen Umanah, FRPA.
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The award was received on behalf of Governor Eno by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ekerette Udoh, who expressed appreciation to the radio station for the recognition.

Udoh described the award as an encouragement to the Governor to sustain his efforts in delivering development and improving the wellbeing of the people of Akwa Ibom State.
He also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to maintaining a strong partnership with the media, stressing the important role of radio in informing, engaging and connecting citizens with government.

Premium 89.9FM Honours Gov Umo Eno

Presenting the award, Umanah described Governor Eno as a “Golden Governor with the Midas touch,” in recognition of what she characterised as his administration’s achievements and developmental initiatives across the state.

The recognition was presented under the station’s awards initiative, with Premium 89.9FM celebrating the Governor’s administration and its ARISE Agenda.
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