Prominent community leader, Chief Edet Isong, has called on critics to desist from dragging Governor Umo Eno into unnecessary controversies following the recent visit of former Governor Udom Emmanuel to Akwa Ibom State.
Chief Isong, in a statement issued yesterday, described Governor Eno as a peace-loving leader who has remained focused on the mandate freely given to him by the people. He cautioned political actors and commentators against reading negative meanings into the cordial relationship between the incumbent and his predecessor.
According to him, the former Governor’s visit to the state was simply to attend the burial of a loved one, and should not have been blown out of proportion by those seeking to stir division.
“You cannot take away the fact that Udom Emmanuel contributed to Umo Eno being the Governor. Ingratitude, to me, is a sin against God and humanity,” Chief Isong declared.
He also dismissed criticisms surrounding the presence of some commissioners and government officials at the airport to receive the former Governor, saying such gestures were normal acts of courtesy and respect.
“I don’t see why people should complain about some commissioners and government officials going to the airport to welcome the former Governor to the state. Enough of this. We must stop politicizing every simple act of goodwill,” Chief Isong said.
He further appealed to stakeholders, opinion leaders, and the general public to rally support for the Governor and allow him to concentrate on delivering the dividends of democracy.
Chief Isong reaffirmed his confidence in the leadership of Governor Umo Eno, noting that the state is enjoying an unprecedented atmosphere of peace, unity, and purposeful governance.