You and Your Governor
Featuring: the Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency’s Town-Square meeting
“We should always be open to change, but not let go of our shared values”. Pastor UmoBassey Eno, P.hD
Make no mistake, the week under review was an eventful week in every sense of it. One that has successfully booked a permanent space in the archives of so many in Akwa Ibom State. Within the week, specifically on Friday, June 06, 2025, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, defected officially from the Peoples Democratic party (PDP) to the All Progressive Congress, (APC), with all the Members of the National Assembly, State House of Assembly, all Local Government Chairmen, and members of the State Executive Council, except just one person, in a very smooth and peaceful manner, quite unprecedented in the political history of Akwa Ibom State. Other activities of the Governor over the week are as follows:-
✅Gov. Eno attended the June edition of the Monthly Covenant Service, Government House, Spoke in Parables, Sunday, June 01, 2025
✅Gov. Eno Commissioned Ibom Paints at Ikot Ekan, Etinan LGA, solicits for patronage, Wednesday June 04, 2025
✅Gov. Eno led all Akwa Ibomites to a Town-Square meeting at Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency, empowered the people, Wednesday, June 04, 2025
✅Gov. Eno celebrated with the MD of South South Development Commission, Ms. Usoro Akpabio, on her birthday, Thursday, June 05, 2025
✅Gov. Eno met with the critical Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic party, PDP, Thursday, June 05, 2026
✅Gov. Eno met with the management of SEPLAT Energy, approved office space, Friday, June 06, 2025
✅Gov. Eno held valedictory session in honour of Late Otuekong Raphael Bassey, a former Commissioner, at EXCO chambers, Friday, June 06, 2025
✅Gov. Eno felicitated with Engr. Uwem Okoko on his birthday, calls him his friend. Friday, June 06, 2025
✅Gov. Eno extended his hand to the Muslim Community, presented Sallah gifts, Friday, June 06, 2025
✅Gov. Eno addressed the critical Stakeholders in a Media Briefing, announced his defection from PDP to APC, Friday, June 06, 2025
✅Gov. Eno officially received by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, in his residence, Friday, June 06, 2025
✅Gov. Eno joined other State’s Governors and delegates to the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), France, 2025, Saturday, June 07, 2025
✅Gov. Eno felicitated with the newly elected Mayor of Islington in London, Cllr Jason Utitofon Jackson, Saturday, June 07, 2025.
♦️ON THE GOVERNOR’S DEFECTION
It takes a visionary leader and a courageous one such as Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, to again link Akwa Ibom State to the center about a decade after. Akwa Ibom State has contributed so much to the development of the Country as one of the leading Oil producing State in Nigeria, yet, we enjoy so little from the Federal Government. We are often schemed out of things that should naturally come to us as a people in the name of political party affiliations. Meanwhile, most of the people belonging to the ruling party have defected back and front more than three to four times in their political sojourn.
It is high time we viewed political parties as a vehicle for getting to a political office, as dividends of democracy has nothing to do with political parties. The moment you become the Governor or hold any meaningful political office, it is your duty to carry your people along in matters of development, as hunger does not know political parties. The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, since assumption of office on May 29, 2025, has worked assiduously across party lines, to improve the lives of citizens in Akwa Ibom State. The Governor has successfully built some units of the Arise Compassionate homes for people across party lines. Even in the ongoing Town-Square meeting, beneficiaries of the empowerment programmes under various categories, such as MSMEs, Traders Grants, Farmers Grants, Equipments Support, are drawn from all political parties in Akwa Ibom State. That is the kind of leader Governor Umo Eno is, an attributes that has won him several awards for inclusiveness in governance. Remain in your honour, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
One thing is certain, how Governor Eno consulted so widely across board, paving the way for the peaceful defection with a cult-like followers remain a mystery. Though the Governor often said that he is not a complete politician, just like Obong Nsima Ekere, we have come to realized that he is actually a master of the game.
♦️ON THE COMMISSIONING OF IBOM PAINT
The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, announced the appointment of Mr Ime Uwah as the Sole Administrator of the newly reinvigorated Ibom Paints.
With a declaration of a State of Emergency on the factory, there will no longer be a board for the paints factory to allow for its sustained smooth operations.
Speaking while inaugurating the factory at Ikot Ekan, Etinan, Governor Umo Eno said, “I have declared a state of emergency on Ibom Paints with the appointment of a sole administrator, Mr. Ime Uwah.
“There will be no more Board and Board members but a sole administrator.
“He will run this factory because in the last three months he has produced results and I have looked at the account with records of profits and so we will have to continue in that trajectory.
“This is Akwa Ibom funds so we can’t dig a hole and be throwing it, in addition to that this is a legacy and we must sustain it.”
The Governor assured that his administration “will continue to partner with AKICORP to ensure that not only this paint factory but other businesses under their watch succeed.”
Announcing a pickup truck for the paint industry, he mandated that all contracted firms should patronise Ibom paint for model schools, arise homes, primary health centers, and other projects, “so that six months from now we will be talking about expansion”.
He commended the MD of AKICORP and for fulfilling his promise of revamping the facility and urged all to support its growth.
Giving an overview of the paints factory, the Managing Director of Akwa Ibom Investment Corporation, Pastor ImoAbasi Jacob explained that the Peacock Paints factory had been bought over by the Akwa Ibom State Government and renamed Ibom Paints.
He recounted that Governor Eno had given AKICORP, a mandate to restore the factory and that after concerted efforts, a monumental waste was recovered and transformed into a thriving business outfit.
We are here to celebrate resilience and a man who saw beyond the troubles of what we see today
Our work was mainly refurbishing, recovering and restoration
We went through the entire production lines and salvaged it. We brought the by pass, new production lines , we had to put in new lines that comply with modern day manufacturing technology, we had to retool, we had to invest in new raw materials.
“Your Excellency we have a pile of raw materials that can take us 6-8months production without any disruption, We had to introduce quality assurance.
“We are glad to mention that this factory is certified by the Standards Organization of Nigeria, SON, we are also undergoing NESREA certification that will be done in no time . We have also involved rebranding.
“We designed a new brand, a new logo and maintained the state color because we want to send a signal to the rest of the world that Ibom brand is a brand to meet.
We also have put in place a robust digital system that will allow us run this factory without legacy problems of the past. We have put in place Enterprise resource planning ERP to allow us monitor the accounts produced in real time online
“We have also put in place a robust security management system that allows us to view the movements of goods in the factory
“We have discovered that there is a huge production line that can allow us in the next phase to do an industrial paint work, to produce marine paint for coating in the oil and gas industry and even car paints.
Pastor Jacob commended the services of the SSA to the Governor on Entrepreneurial Development, Mr Ime Uwah and the stakeholders in Etinan, for their cooperation.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of Etinan Local Government Area, Mr Uko Umo, the Political Lear of Etinan, Isantim Kenneth Okon, and the House of Representatives member for the area, Obong Paul Ekpo, and the House of Assembly member, Mr Ekpo Ufot, all praised the Governor for what they described as purposeful leadership and visible developmental strides, referring to him as “a performing governor”
They also further expressed the gratitude of the people for the various political appointments and projects extended to indigenes of the area.
The Stakeholders admitted that the rejuvenated Ibom Paints Factory was a welcome development for their people and pledged to protect it.
Words of assurances were extracted from the Commissioner for Trade and Investments, Elder Dr. Ubong Inyang, who assured that with his foresight, commitment and reliance on God, the factory will no longer encounter challenges.
♦️ON TOWN-SQUARE MEETING AT IKOT
The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno on Wednesday, June, 04, 2025, continued his empowerment drive, with the financial grants of 250 million naira and vehicle donations to 540 beneficiaries from Ikot Abasi, Mkpat Enin and Eastern Obolo local government areas.
The occasion was the Town- Square Meeting / Empowerment event for Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency, held at the Ikot Abasi local government council ground.
A cursory glance at the list of beneficiaries show that 234 persons were rewarded with N117,450,000 under the ARISE Traders Grant, N67,500,000 was spread to 96 farmers under the ARISE Farmers Scheme, while 195 business owners had their business boosted with equipment ranging from generators, sewing machines, hair dressing machines, barbing equipment among others through the ARISE Equipment Support Scheme.
Similarly, 30 million naira was equally spread across six entrepreneurs under the ARISE 5 Million Naira MSME Grant, leaving the remaining nine persons with 3 cars and six mini buses to share among themselves.
Speaking at the event, Governor Umo Eno described the area as particularly significant to him, referring to it as the home of his in-laws.
He thanked the people for their overwhelming support during the last general elections.
“We are not just expressing gratitude with words, we are demonstrating it through actions and projects.
“We are building schools, providing water, constructing roads, giving grants, and supporting small businesses across the state. These are things that have never happened at this scale before, and everyone — regardless of party — is benefiting.”
He emphasized that the administration’s empowerment initiatives are targeted at ordinary citizens, with no discrimination based on political affiliations, status or ethnic background.
“We are making sure that even the child of a common man without a godfather can benefit. Names of beneficiaries and the amounts disbursed have been made public. It is transparent and inclusive,” the Governor noted.
Governor Eno revealed that only four federal constituencies remain in the state consultation tour, stating that the purpose is to ensure citizen participation in governance and to allow communities to make inputs into the state’s budget.
“We are moving forward progressively, linking Akwa Ibom to the centre so we can claim our rightful place,” he added. “We must work together — PDP or APC — because we are already in the minority. If we are united, we can get what we truly deserve.”
Reaffirming his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Eno urged citizens not to fear the future but to trust in leadership at all levels.
“Believe in us, believe in the President. The future is bright. Under the ARISE Agenda, President Tinubu will return, the Senate President will return, and I will return, all to continue serving you,” he concluded.
In his tone setting at the event, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Enobong Uwah, extended his appreciation to the people of Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency for the warm reception accorded the Governor and his entourage.
“Your Excellency, our leader, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, the rousing welcome we have received here today is no surprise because this is the home of one of your most committed supporter and friend, Engr Uwem Okoko,” he remarked.
Mr. Uwah acknowledged the strong political backing the Governor received from the constituency, stating that their support had remained consistent before, during, and after the elections. He also revealed that the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the area had openly endorsed the Governor after the previous endorsement by the PDP.
He further emphasized that the visit was not only to appreciate the people but also to assess their needs and implement targeted empowerment initiatives.
“We are here to listen, to understand your priorities, and to bring meaningful empowerment to the grassroots”, said Prince Uwah.
Highpoint of the event was the endorsement of the Governor for a second term, following a motion moved by Senator Ekong Sampson, and seconded by the House of Assembly member for Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo State Constituency, Mrs. Selina Ukpaetu.
Senator Ekong Sampson, representing Eket Senatorial District, delivered a passionate and poetic tribute to the Governor’s leadership, highlighting both historical and symbolic significance.
“You have revived industries through your vision and passion. Your leadership has been a miracle to our people restoring hope, building infrastructure, and sheltering the vulnerable,” he said.
The senator later led other stakeholders to present the Needs Assessment Document of the federal constituency to the Governor for consideration in the 2026 ‘Peoples Budget’.
In a goodwill message, the Managing Director/CEO of Hensek Integrated Services described Governor Umo Eno as “the best performing governor in Nigeria.”
He acknowledged the Governor’s strong commitment to infrastructure development, especially in Ikot Abasi federal constituency, attributing it to the Governor’s personal connection to the area as an in-law.
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Stephen Ntukekpo, speaking on behalf of both APC and PDP, praised the Governor’s character and inclusive governance style.
“This Governor has shown character, competence, and intentionality in bringing peace and unity and that is why we have resolved to assure him of our total support for a second term. Our solidarity is unshakeable,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Chairman of Ikot Abasi Local Government Area, Hon. Ime Essien, on behalf of his counterparts from Eastern Obolo and Mkpat Enin LGAs, warmly welcomed the Governor to the constituency, describing him as “a promise keeper” and a leader who has stayed true to his word.
“Your Excellency, we welcome you once again as our Governor and a leader who keeps his promises,” he said. “We are grateful for the many projects you have brought to this federal constituency from roads to schools and other vital infrastructure.”
“You came here in 2023 to seek our support, and we gave it. Today, we reaffirm that support not just for now, but for 2027 and beyond,” he declared.
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilization, Comrade Ini Akpan, described the Governor’s visit as a “homecoming,” highlighting his deep ties to the constituency.
“The youths will continue to remain peaceful, and we our pledging our unflinching support for your administration now and come 2027 and beyond,” he said.
Also speaking, Barr. Kufre Udosen, Special Adviser on Political and Legislative Affairs and Social Reorientation, lauded the Governor for making every local government area within the constituency a visible project site.
This is where I draw the curtain, till I come your way again by next week, bringing more exciting activities of the Governor, His Excellency Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, to you.
Arise, that same God.
Pastor Solomon Essiet, ACIA
Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
