Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has called for absolute unity among indigenes to accelerate development, warning against inflammatory and divisive utterances capable of straining peace in the state.
Speaking at the Victor Attah International Airport upon his return from international engagements, the Governor addressed recent political tensions stirred by groups rejecting established zoning arrangements ahead of the 2027 elections.
He urged citizens to disregard sentiments intended to polarize the populace, emphasizing that his administration remains firm on the “Akwa Ibom United” ideology.
Governor Eno stressed that his administration’s philosophy of inclusivity is visibly reflected in the fair distribution of government projects, appointments, and opportunities across all 31 local government areas.
Highlighting the diverse origins of key government officials, including the Deputy Governor and the Chief Delivery Advisor, he maintained that ethnic origin does not dictate an individual’s treatment or access to opportunity.
He dismissed recent controversies as mere political distractions and reiterated that the state continues to move forward as a cohesive unit.
Urging political, traditional, and opinion leaders to exercise caution, Governor Eno cautioned that divisive rhetoric could undermine the collective progress and hard-earned peace of the state.
He encouraged stakeholders to support the government’s development agenda and foster an environment of mutual respect.
According to the Governor, sustaining this cooperation is vital for consolidating past achievements and maintaining stability across the region.
Shifting focus to his overseas itinerary, Governor Eno spoke on his trip to Canada for the pre-delivery inspection of Ibom Air’s latest Airbus A220-300.
He noted that the acquisition marks the third aircraft procured directly from Airbus and brings the total number of new additions under his administration to five, highlighting consistent investment in the state-owned airline.
He emphasized that the fleet expansion forms a core part of broader efforts to boost regional connectivity and reinforce the state’s economic competitiveness.
Furthermore, the Governor revealed that steady progress is being made on complementary aviation infrastructure, including an aviation village and the near-completed Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility.
He expressed optimism that the full operational capacity of these aviation ecosystems will significantly spike the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), generate skilled employment, and translate investments into tangible economic dividends for Akwa Ibom residents.
