President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has commended Umo Eno for the peaceful conduct of the Akwa Ibom State congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement issued in Uyo on Wednesday by his Special Assistant on Media/Communication, Anietie Ekong, Akpabio expressed satisfaction with the exercise, contrasting it with previous congresses that were often marred by factional disputes and controversies.
“Somebody had alluded that it hasn’t been so peaceful, as past congresses were characterised by factions and mired in controversies,” Akpabio said.
“While some gathered here at the stadium, others would gather at a hotel to conduct their own parallel congress. And you would be shocked that before you get to Abuja, it is the rag-tag congress that would be recognised by the party.
“Just recently, when the team came from Abuja to conduct the congress here, they had to be led to the State Office of the Department of State Services for their safety. Let me tell you that even ward and local government congresses in some states, people lost their lives.
“But here we are in Akwa Ibom State conducting the congress as if we are in a church to take communion. Today, I give glory to God for the peace in Akwa Ibom State. And this is because we are led by a true man of God who practices godliness in his heart.”
Akpabio particularly praised the governor for broad consultations and inclusive leadership, which he said facilitated the emergence of a new state executive committee through consensus, in line with the party’s constitution.
“This is uncommon, this is unprecedented, and it will go down in history as the most peaceful congress in Nigeria. We will continue to support Governor Umo Eno. I can predict that even the coming elections in Akwa Ibom State will be as peaceful as this congress.
“Akwa Ibom has continued to show leadership. Akwa Ibom has continued to show unity, totally unprecedented. There was no single untoward incident throughout the ward, local government, and state congresses. Even old political foes have been reconciled today with this congress,” he said.
During the event, party faithful, through a voice vote, pledged their support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, Senator Akpabio, and Governor Eno.
In his remarks, Governor Eno thanked the Senate President for honouring the congress with his presence, noting that it added dignity to the occasion. He also expressed gratitude to God for the peaceful conduct of the ward, local government and state congresses, and reaffirmed the state’s support for President Tinubu’s administration.
The congress re-elected Obong Stephen Ntukekpo as the State Chairman to lead the State Executive Committee, with a renewed focus on unity and grassroots mobilisation.
