Eno Cautions Citizens Against Inflammatory Statements That Could Divide Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has cautioned citizens, political leaders and other stakeholders against making or circulating inflammatory statements capable of creating division among the people of the state.

Governor Eno gave the warning after returning from Mirabel, Quebec, Canada, where he led a delegation for the pre-delivery inspection of a new Airbus A220-300 aircraft acquired by Ibom Air.

The governor spoke at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, where he urged Akwa Ibom people to reject narratives capable of generating ethnic, political or sectional tensions.

According to Eno, the state needs unity and cooperation to sustain its development and consolidate ongoing government programmes. He maintained that his administration remained committed to the philosophy of “Akwa Ibom United”, which he said was reflected in the distribution of government projects, appointments and opportunities across the state’s 31 local government areas.

Eno: Akwa Ibom Must Move as One

The governor said Akwa Ibom had historically progressed when its people worked together, adding that his administration had continued to deepen the culture of unity.

“This state moves as one,” Eno said, stressing that his government had not used ethnic origin or senatorial district as a basis for determining who should benefit from government programmes.

He also pointed to the composition of his administration as evidence of what he described as an inclusive approach to governance.

The governor urged citizens to disregard narratives suggesting that the state was divided along ethnic or political lines.

According to him, such narratives could distract attention from the work of government and undermine the collective interests of the people.

Call for Responsible Public Statements

Eno particularly appealed to political leaders, traditional rulers, community leaders and other opinion leaders to be careful about the messages they share with the public.

He said inflammatory statements could create unnecessary tension and weaken relationships among communities.

The governor’s appeal comes at a time when political activities are gradually increasing ahead of the 2027 general elections, a period often characterised by heightened political debate and competition.

He urged Akwa Ibom people to maintain peace, mutual respect and a sense of shared responsibility regardless of their political differences.

The governor also encouraged citizens to remain focused on issues that could contribute to the development of the state rather than narratives capable of creating divisions.

Aviation Investment and Economic Development

Beyond his message on unity, Eno also spoke about the new Ibom Air aircraft inspected during his visit to Canada.

He described the acquisition as part of his administration’s continued investment in the state’s aviation sector.

According to the governor, the latest aircraft brings to five the number of aircraft acquired or fully paid for by his administration since 2023. Three of those aircraft are Airbus A220s, while two are CRJ 900 aircraft.

Eno said the investment was not limited to aircraft acquisition but was part of a broader plan to develop an aviation ecosystem capable of generating employment and stimulating economic activity.

Aviation Village, MRO Facility Underway

The governor also highlighted ongoing work on an aviation village intended to provide accommodation and other facilities for airline personnel.

He said the state’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility was also approaching completion.

The MRO facility is expected to support aircraft maintenance activities and contribute to the development of aviation-related expertise and businesses in the state once operational and appropriately certified.

Eno expressed optimism that the combined development of Ibom Air and supporting aviation infrastructure would create direct and indirect employment opportunities and contribute to economic activity in Akwa Ibom.

He said the wider aviation ecosystem could eventually have a positive impact on the state’s economy through employment, commercial activity and related investments.

Unity as Foundation for Development

The governor’s warning against inflammatory statements was linked to his broader appeal for citizens to see the development of Akwa Ibom as a collective responsibility.

He maintained that government projects and opportunities were being spread across the state and urged residents not to allow political or ethnic narratives to undermine cooperation.

The governor said peace and unity remained essential for the state to attract investment, execute development projects and create opportunities for its citizens.

As political conversations intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, the governor’s message places renewed emphasis on responsible communication and peaceful political engagement.

For Akwa Ibom, the challenge will be to sustain political competition without allowing disagreements to develop into ethnic or community tensions.

Governor Eno therefore urged citizens and opinion leaders to prioritise the state’s common interests, maintain peaceful relationships and support efforts aimed at strengthening the unity of the people.

This report is based on statements attributed to Governor Umo Eno and publicly reported by ThisDay. Political statements and opinions expressed by individuals are presented as attributed views and not as independently established facts.