Akwa Ibom State Governor Pastor Umo Eno said he has not received any pressure from the former governor of the state Mr Udom Emmanuel after heading over power on May 29th this year.
This is contrary to public opinion in the state that Eno remains a lackey to the former governor who many claimed is controlling Eno in all government decisions in the state.
Speaking on Christmas Day worship service at United Evangelical Church Awa founded as Qua Iboe Church in Onna council area of the state, Eno disclosed that instead of the former governor putting pressure on him, the present government in the state rather chase Udom and run after him at all times for advice as they beg him to come around to offer his wise counsels to govern the state.
Eno who told the Udom who was also in attendance in the Christmas Service with him said Udom would continue to advise him in running the state.
“On the contrary, we are the ones chasing him to ask him to always come around to advise us
“I tell people that even when you are not in government, you are still working for this State.
“In eight years, you (Udom Emmanuel) taught us leadership, and you developed all of us. We have learnt from you, especially the lesson of tolerance.
“You may no longer be Governor today, but you will always be my Governor and leader. You have a clear understanding of how these things work and I will always be your student.”
Eno announced that the Akwa Ibom State International Christian Worship Center, established during Mr Emmanuel’s tenure, is ready and will be used for the New Year’s State Interdenominational Service on January 2nd, 2024.
He explained that the Center will be active every day as each day, a pastor and his team will take turns to pray for the State and our country at the State’s sacred altar
He appreciated his predecessor, Mr Udom Emmanuel for the vision of setting up the center and promised to work towards completing other projects that were not completed during Mr Emmanuel’s tenure.
Read Also: Gunmen assassinate Enugu Monarch, 8 arrested
The former governor who was accompanied to the church by his wife, Dr Martha, and other family members, commended Umo Eno for leading the state executive council members and other political bigwigs to the church service.
Emmanuel said it has been his tradition to always share his Christmas with his people since his days as a Bank General Manager.
He said he was happy to restore peace in Akwa Ibom State during his tenure, adding that it was more important than all the projects he executed across the state.
He expressed satisfaction over the cordiality between him and the State Governor adding that he has avoided any action that could lead to friction with his successor.
“Don’t mind what people may say. We are relating very well. Sometimes, if there is a state function and I attend, they will say he is coming too much, if I don’t attend, they will say ‘they are quarrelling that is why he has refused to come but they forget that Udom Emmanuel and the Governor are inseparable.
“Any support I can give him (Governor Eno) to enable him to succeed, I will always give him. I pray every day for him to succeed.
“Let’s continually pray for him, and let’s also be patient. The king needs a little bit of patience from the people.
“God took time to do things on different days, it is not possible for the Governor to do everything overnight, it will reach you just have a little bit of patience. The Governor is for all of us and he will sure he reaches all of us.
“Don’t worry about the Governor’s relationship with Udom, because we are always here to support and collaborate and not to disrupt his activities” he said.
