…says “anybody who abuses a senior cannot be a senior”
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has expressed concern over what he described as a growing culture of disrespect in the political space, lamenting that individuals who previously held him in high regard now resort to insults because of politics.
Speaking on Sunday during an interaction with stakeholders, Governor Eno noted that his emergence as governor should not give room for political actors to redefine long-standing social values or disregard cultural norms that promote respect for elders.
The governor stated that he had observed with shock how some persons who, according to him, “could not confidently speak in the presence of my children in the past,” have now taken to social media and public forums to disparage him simply because of political differences.
He stressed that political competition must not erode the moral values that bind society together, warning that the desperation exhibited by some actors threatens not only governance but also community cohesion.
“Anybody who abuses a senior cannot be a senior,” Governor Eno declared, adding that leadership must be accompanied by humility, respect, and responsibility.
He urged political players to adopt constructive engagement and embrace decorum, emphasizing that his administration remains committed to inclusive governance regardless of political affiliations.
Governor Eno reiterated that he would continue to focus on service delivery, community development, and peacebuilding, noting that the state cannot afford distractions driven by personal grievances or political vendettas.
The governor called on citizens to safeguard the values that define Akwa Ibom culture, especially respect for elders, reminding them that politics is temporary while relationships within the community endure.
He affirmed his commitment to remain accessible, calm, and focused on the mandate given to him by the people, insisting that no amount of provocation would derail his development agenda.
Chief Edet Isong, Okete Okete Oro