Umo Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, stated that Bola Tinubu is like a father to him and Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, is like a “big brother.”
He also mentioned that it's time to focus on the well-being of the people of his state instead of letting political party differences get in the way.
Akpabio came back to the state’s Government House in Uyo, accompanied by some political leaders, after serving as governor from 2007 to 2015, and was welcomed by the governor.
His visit was the first in about 10 years.
Eno appreciated Akpabio’s visit and emphasized that despite belonging to different political parties, they are united by the support and love received from Akpabio, and that it's time for collaboration and unity across party lines.
“I believe that I’m here by grace to bring about reconciliation of our people. Nigerians can come and see how people can work together across party lines, and I think this is a real collaboration that Nigerians need at this time.”
Akpabio praised the governor for not criticizing Tinubu's administration despite being in the opposition party and facing economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I want to assure you that if there is anything the National Assembly can do for any government, we will do so for you. I’m expected to sit here and criticise you because I’m not in the same political party as you, and you are expected to sit there and criticise Asiwaju (Tinubu) and the Federal Government, but I think that elections are over, and we are now doing governance.
“So we must work together across party lines. And a time like this with the difficulties in the country and all over the world, after COVID-19, many countries are in recession even United Kingdom. It is important that we don’t add sorrow to the people through divisive policies. Unite your people,” the Senate President noted.
Eno also stated that his administration will continue to support the Federal Government without the need for confrontation.
“If we can get anything for our state. If our state becomes great. If our state becomes the place of envy as it is and continues to grow, we will have no alternative other than to work together. If we miss this opportunity, I don’t know when else. We need that synergy, and this is the best opportunity.
“Our father, the President, will succeed; all of us need to give him that support; we need to give him that understanding; we need to work together across party lines to solve myriads of problems. I believe that the solution to Nigeria’s problem does not lie in one person or party, but when God chooses a leader, everyone relies on that leader.
“We all must join together to support the President and understand his vision so that Nigerians can benefit from each other and experience the advantages of democracy. Criticism will not solve the problem we have at hand,” he begged.
Earlier, Eno had advocated for Akpabio to utilize his position as the third-ranked Nigerian citizen to achieve the vision of establishing a deep seaport, palm oil refinery, and petroleum products depot in the state.
He described that the development of the seaport, which has the deepest and longest water stretch in Nigeria, would be an economic catalyst for Nigeria in the Gulf of Guinea.
