Pastor Umo Eno, the leading aspirant in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary in Akwa Ibom State, has paid a visit to the family of the incumbent governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel.
Pastor Eno addressed them, saying he was in the governor’s ancestral home, Awa in the Onna Local Government Area, to pay respect to the first family, which he described as a selected and favoured family.
He noted that his aim was not to engage in politics, but rather to thank them for choosing to rally behind the governor by endorsing his bid to become governor of Akwa Ibom State in 2023.
Pastor Eno, a seasoned entrepreneur, stated that despite his poor beginnings, he has been favoured and found by grace to serve the state and that he is grateful to his family for agreeing to assist him in succeeding their son and brother. In his words, “We just came to appreciate the family of our Governor for endorsing and supporting me. We came to show respect to a family that God has chosen to favour, a family that God has chosen to promote, honour, and bless. We came to pay respect to this family. I am not here for politics, but to pay respect to the entire family.
“I have eternal connectivity with this family, my story certainly begins with this family. I am here today to pay respect to this family, his kinsmen, the Awa people, and to ask that you pray for me and support me.” Pastor Eno was introduced by Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem, the International Chairman of the Maintain Peace Movement (MPM), hailed him as a man selected and ordained by God to serve the state in 2023.
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Pastor Eno has had the blessings of the state governor and key players, particularly in the PDP, he said, praising the governor’s family for their support, which he described as a big boost for the project.
“Everyone we met, recognised that Umo Eno has the potential, competence, and character to lead our State,” Barr. Enoidem said of the aspirant’s tour of the state, which included institutions, local government areas, and party structures.
The former National Legal Adviser of the PDP said Pastor Eno is a detribalized leader capable of fitting into the shoes of Governor Udom Emmanuel and appealed to them to remember him in their prayers. Also speaking, the elder brother and uncle of Pastor Eno, Bishop Ernest Enoidem, and the State CAN Chairman, Rev Dr. Ndueso Ekwere appreciated the Governor’s family for serving as the vessel through which their son and brother have been favoured.
In their responses, the Member representing Onna State Constituency, Rt. Hon Nse Essien and Senator Akon Eyakenyi reiterated their resolve to stand by the aspiration of Pastor Eno stressing, “he is only responding to the call for service. We will support him to succeed at the poll and through his administration.”
The younger brother of the governor, Mr. Ekerette Emmanuel alluded to the baptism of Jesus, saying the visit was just to fulfill all righteousness as the entire family was already in full support of Pastor Umo Eno.
Rev Sylvia Imoh, a sister to the governor, applauded MPM and other support groups for their commitment to the worthy cause noting that the team was simply doing God’s will by seeking more support for the divine project.
She commended Pastor Eno for his doggedness in reaching out through consultation to Akwa Ibom stakeholders, assuring him that the God that called him will perfect the mission.
On his part, the governor’s eldest brother, Chief Gabriel Nkanang commended Pastor Eno and his team for honouring their family with a visit, emphasising that with the massive support of the Akwa Ibom people, he had no doubt that the mantle of leadership will be handed to Umo Eno come May 29, 2023.
