2027: Eno Reaffirms Respect for Udom Emmanuel, Warns Against Attempts to Cause Rift
…Commissions 14.8km internal roads, 1.9km discharge drains in ONNA
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has urged citizens to disregard unfounded claims, fake news and unsubstantiated statements being circulated to misinform the public and create confusion ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Eno gave the warning on Monday, September 21, 2026, while commissioning 14.8 kilometres of internal roads and spurs, alongside a 1.9-kilometre discharge drain, in Awa, ONNA Local Government Area of the state.
The Governor described the project as particularly significant to him because of its location in the home community of his predecessor, Mr Udom Emmanuel.
According to him, he personally chose to commission the project as a mark of honour and respect for his political predecessor and father.
Governor Eno said some individuals were attempting to create a rift between him and Emmanuel, stressing that political differences would not prevent him from continuing to respect and work with his predecessor.
He described the former governor as a sacrificial leader who initiated projects across different parts of the state, sometimes at the expense of his own immediate community.
Eno said it was therefore incumbent upon his administration to complete the internal road project in Awa which was initiated by the former governor.
The Governor commended stakeholders and residents of ONNA for their support, particularly the Chairman of the Local Government Area, Hon. Kufre Umoren, for his support and endorsement of the administration.
He disclosed that 26 projects were currently at various stages of completion in ONNA, while highlighting the contributions of indigenes of the area serving in key positions in his administration, including Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Emem Bob; Accountant-General of the State, Pastor Uwem Andrew-Essien; Chief Press Secretary, Mr Ekerete Udoh; and Chief Photographer, Mr Idara Adiakpan.
Governor Eno assured the people of ONNA that his administration would continue to collaborate with them to promote development in the area and across Akwa Ibom State.
On reports of damage to some roads in the area by heavy-duty trucks, the Governor said the government would engage the parties responsible for the situation, while urging residents not to take the law into their own hands.
He also disclosed plans to establish a toll gate arrangement under which ordinary road users would be exempted from payment, while heavy-duty vehicles would pay fees towards road maintenance.
The Governor thanked the people of ONNA for their warm reception and assured them of more development projects in the years ahead.
Speaking on the project, the Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga, described the commissioning as historic, recalling that the road project was the first major assignment he handled after his appointment as Commissioner in the previous administration.
Ibanga commended Governor Eno for ensuring the completion of the project, expressing satisfaction that the 14.8-kilometre internal roads project had finally been delivered.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of ONNA Local Government Area, Hon. Kufre Umoren, commended Governor Eno for executing road projects and other interventions in the area, including a primary healthcare centre, a model primary school and compassionate homes for vulnerable residents.
Umoren pledged to work with stakeholders and residents of the local government to reciprocate the Governor’s development efforts, including mobilising support for his re-election in 2027.
In separate goodwill messages, the political leader of ONNA, Hon. Pat Ifon; Member representing ONNA State Constituency, Hon. Sunday Johnny; Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Emem Bob; former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Owoidighe Ekpoatai; and the Paramount Ruler of ONNA, HRM Edidem Raymond Inyang, commended Governor Eno for improving the quality of life of residents through road infrastructure and other development projects.
They also expressed support for the Governor and pledged to work towards securing victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; former Military Administrator, Col. Yakubu Bako (rtd.); Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Advisor, Mr Aniefiok Johnson; members of the State Executive Council; political leaders; captains of industry; clergy; government officials and other dignitaries.
