The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has restated his commitment to providing responsible leadership as the Governor of the State and ensuring respect for past leaders, devoid of any political or ethnic bias.
Governor Eno gave these assurances while addressing congregants at a special Sunday worship service at Saint Anne Cathedral of the Ikot Ekpene Catholic Diocese in Ifuho, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.
During his address, he reiterated his appreciation for the support of the Christian community and the Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District towards the success of his administration.
He expressed his admiration for the Catholic Church for its tradition of orderliness and discipline and appreciated the Catholic faithful of the Ikot Ekpene Diocese, led by Bishop Camillus Umoh, for their prayers and support.
According to Governor Eno, being in government is an opportunity to serve, and every day must be made to count.
He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that his administration serves as an example for all pastors who seek elective offices.
“We thank the Church for their prayers and for the support they have shown to their own.
“I know that the success of this government will be a referendum for the Church and, to a large extent, will represent success for the Church in Akwa Ibom.
“It will also give credence to any pastor in the future who seeks public office.
“So, I hold this position in trust with utmost care and diligence,” the Governor said.
Recollecting how his administration has been deliberate in ensuring the equitable distribution of development projects across the various constituencies of the State, the Governor assured the public that he will continue to pursue peace and unity in the State through inclusiveness, as demonstrated in the 2025 budget.
“We have tried, by the grace of God, to show leadership across ethnic lines and political divides in this State.
“We have, in all honesty, pursued unity for our State because it is on that basis that we will enjoy the peace we have been praying for.
“We have made every effort to show respect to our leaders. At this point in their lives, those who have served before us deserve our respect and recognition.”
Preaching on the theme “We Have Come from the East to Worship the King,” culled from Matthew 2:1–12, the Bishop of the Ikot Ekpene Catholic Diocese, Most Reverend Camillus Umoh, described the first Sunday Service of 2025 as significant.
He said it marked the beginning of another year of Jubilee to celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of Christ, which, according to him, signifies the collapse of walls of division and the reconciliation of man with God.
The cleric, therefore, called on everyone to embrace the essence of the gift of Jesus Christ to the world, as the Wise Men from the East did, by shunning divisiveness, discrimination, and hatred.
He urged all to reconcile with one another, take decisions and actions that positively impact humanity, and draw closer to God through His Son, Jesus Christ.
