A respected community leader and seasoned politician, Chief Edet Isong, who holds the chieftaincy titles of Mokafa of Efut, Obong Nsehe Ekpene Ukim Uruan, and Okete Okete Oro, has cautioned political commentators and mischief makers to desist from fabricating imaginary conflicts between His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, and his predecessor, His Excellency, Deacon Udom Emmanuel.
Chief Isong described the alleged rift between the two leaders as baseless and mischievous, stressing that Governor Umo Eno continues to hold his predecessor in the highest regard.
“People should stop creating imaginary problems between Governor Umo Eno and Deacon Udom Emmanuel. There is no conflict whatsoever,” Chief Isong stated.
He recalled that Governor Umo Eno served faithfully as Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources under Governor Udom Emmanuel’s administration — a period he described as one of mutual respect, teamwork, and shared vision.
“It was through that cordial working relationship that Pastor Umo Eno was identified, supported, and eventually elected as Governor,” he said.
Chief Isong further noted that politics, by its nature, is driven by interests and alignments, but such changes do not necessarily translate into hostility.
“Governor Umo Eno remains a peace-loving leader with deep respect for his predecessor. He is focused on uniting Akwa Ibom people and delivering good governance,” he emphasized.
Remarkable Achievements Under the Arise Agenda
Since assuming office just over two years ago, Governor Umo Eno has, through his Arise Agenda, recorded significant achievements across key sectors, reflecting his people-oriented and visionary leadership.
✅ Rural Development:
Construction of model roads and rural bridges linking remote communities, ensuring equitable development across the state.
✅ Education and Human Capital:
Implementation of free and compulsory basic education programs; provision of learning materials and scholarships for indigent students. The administration has also built and renovated modern schools powered by solar energy to support effective learning in rural areas.
✅ Healthcare Delivery:
Rehabilitation and equipping of primary healthcare centres in all 31 local government areas, complemented by free medical outreach programs for the elderly and vulnerable.
✅ Agriculture and Food Security:
Launch of the Food Sufficiency and Agro-Entrepreneurship Initiative to promote mechanized farming and agribusiness among the youth.
✅ Housing and Social Welfare:
Development of affordable housing schemes and continued social support for widows, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
✅ Job Creation and Entrepreneurship:
Through the ARISE Entrepreneurship Programme and the Ibom Leadership & Entrepreneurial Development Centre, thousands of young people have been trained and empowered with start-up funds to pursue self-reliance and innovation.
Chief Edet Isong lauded Governor Umo Eno’s humility, vision, and commitment to inclusive governance, noting that his focus on peace and grassroots development has rekindled hope and strengthened unity among Akwa Ibom people.
“Governor Umo Eno is a man of peace, humility, and performance. His achievements speak for him. Nothing will stop his second term — take it to the bank,” Chief Edet Isong declared confidently.