2023: ‘WHERE UDOM EMMANUEL LEADS, I’LL GO’ – Umo Eno
Umo Eno speaks, Tasks journalists on truths
Tells What the Next Governor should Do
In an unusual atmosphere of vivacity, against the spurious media frenzy over his preference by the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel for the 2023 gubernatorial seat, the Honourable Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Pastor Umo Eno, has declared for the umpteen time that, as a public office holder, he has no contrary vision beyond that of the governor; asserting that whatever direction the governor will lead, he will follow.
He said this on Tuesday when some media practitioners under the aegis, Uyo Senatorial District Media Practitioners’ Forum (USDMPF) led by its Chairman, Deacon Ofonimeh Isong, paid him a visit in Uyo. The forum, according to its chairman, needed to clarify the rumours making rounds that he was already anointed for the Akwa Ibom State Gubernatorial seat in 2023 and also avail the Commissioner of its objectives.
Asked if the rumours were anything to go by, the Commissioner said: “I also heard the rumour through the media but for me now, my concentration is on the job that His Excellency the Governor has, through the grace of God, given me as the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources. Am I interested in being a governorship aspirant? I don’t know because I am an ardent believer that power belongs to God and he gives it to whomsoever he wills.”
Continuing, he added: “I am loyal to His Excellency. Wherever he goes, I will go and whoever he brings, I will work with the person. But am I going to do anything on my own, No! But am I qualified to run? The answer is yes! I’m an Akwa Ibomite and from Uyo Senatorial District and the last I checked our Constitution, the academic qualification to run for governorship is a school certificate.”
Reiterating his stance that as someone from the district favoured to produce the next governor, he was equally qualified to run. He frowned at a scenario where some persons behaved as if the governorship seat was their birthright and counselled that all should wait on God for direction, as power belongs to God.
“Governorship is a birthright of nobody. When I heard people say, ‘It’s my turn,’ and they see it as of right, then it is not of grace. And God has never chosen leadership as of right but of grace, so that all the glory will go to him.”
He predicated his point on Daniel 4:17, which says: This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men, submitting that God determines where and who power will eventually go to.
He, however, advised that governorship aspiration by anyone should not be utilised as opportunity for mudslinging and destructive criticism, as such will retrogress us as a people.
He also tasked the media on the importance of holding accountable anyone who has shown interest in governorship and that the media should be interested in what impact people vying for any office have made on the society in their private enterprise before joining public office.
Concerned about who emerges the next governor, the Commissioner observed that with the achievements the Udom Emmanuel administration has made, especially in taking Akwa Ibom to the international arena through the aviation development, with accompanying social infrastructures, the next governor should focus critically on rural and human capital developments.
He solicited the cooperation of the media in projecting Akwa Ibom State in positive light and promote the achievements of the administration.
“Let’s seek after the truth and project Governor Udom Emmanuel in good light because he has strategically repositioned this state economically. Whoever comes in as the next governor, if he has the understanding of this administration has done and he is prepared to be mentored, should be able to take this state to the next height.”
He, however, applauded the Governor Udom Emmanuel for his vision, adding that the next governor should ensure the benefits of investments of this government trickle down to every citizen, especially the rural areas.
“The two areas that whoever comes in as the next governor will be looking at are rural and capital development,” he said.
