2023 Guber: More groups root for Pst Umo Eno as Governor Emmanuel’s worthy successor
As Nigerians continue to count down to full commencement of political activities in the country ahead of 2023 general elections, groups, organisations, party stakeholders and the business community have intensified calls on the Honourable Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Pastor Umo Eno to declare interest and join the governorship race for 2023.
Prominent among the groups include; Say Yes Initiative, Akwa Alliance, Crusaders for Good Governance, Ahead Ahead Initiative, Peaceful Vision, Mkpat Enin Meet, and many others including party stakeholders whose names are withheld for obvious reasons.
In separate press releases signed by the leadership of the groups and made available to the public, as well as individual interviews with some stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), they noted that Akwa Ibom desires a technocrat in the mould of Governor Udom Emmanuel who will continue with the ongoing projects in the State as well as initiating new ones in same manner.
They acknowledged that Governor Udom Emmanuel has been strategic in his development approach which according to them is yielding fruits by gradually repositioning the State from pure civil service State, to an industrial hub.
According to the statements, the groups say it was only imperative to have someone who has understudied and understood the administrative philosophy of the incumbent to succeed him so as to ensure smooth completion and sustainability.
They specifically mentioned some of the industries made possible by Governor Udom Emmanuel led admonition, like the Car Assembling Plant, Cassava off Taking Centers, the revamping of Akwa Palms, Coconut Refinery, Syringe Manufacturing, Flour Mill and many others, stressing that the State requires a competent administrator to ensure sustainability.
Some of the statements read in part, “Our message to Pastor Umo Eno is that God has anointed you as He did to Joshua who led the children of Israel to the promise land, we are confident that you will lead the people of Akwa Ibom State as the Executive Governor come 2023, please as a servant of God, accept this task.
“We believe that you will sustain the economic blueprint of this State. Please accept this task, because we know you will sustain the peace which we are enjoying in the State, moreover, we pray you to accept the task as the one we believe will sustain the industrialization plan of the State introduced for the benefit of Akwa Ibom people, please accept the task.
“We again have no doubt about your capacity to sustain the human capacity development, industrial growth, infrastructural advancement setup by Governor Udom Emmanuel’s led administration. Our prayers, please Pastor Umo Eno, kindly accept this responsibility to lead the State, which after due consideration from this noble group, we are confident in your capacity.”
While assessing all the reported aspirants for the race, they concluded, “it is our strong conviction that Pastor Umo Eno will be the best option for 2023, and we therefore plead that he accepts the task of vying for the gubernatorial seat as he will sustain the legacies bequeathed to the state.”
It is important to mention that Pastor Umo Eno is an entrepreneur, administrator and a minister of the Gospel. He is an accomplished hospitality professional and fellow of the Nigerian Catering and Hotel Institute (FNCHI), with MSc in Political Science from the University of Uyo and Currently working on his PhD in Public Administration in the same University.
He is an alumnus of Pan African University’s Lagos Business School (LBS), and has over 35 years working experience in the private sector, spanning banking, marketing, management and hospitality.
Passionate about raising young entrepreneurs, he set up The Gathering – a nonprofit making initiative in 2017 that convenes IGNITE; a global platform for knowledge-based empowerment, training and entrepreneurial skills development of youths for entrepreneurship and self -sufficiency. He speaks regularly to youths and adult groups on entrepreneurship, leadership and ethics and is currently the chairman, BOT, Akwa Ibom Business Community.
He has held many appointments including the Chairmanship of Akwa Ibom Hotels and Tourism Board from 2004 – 2007. He is a two (2) Star Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary Club of Eket, District 9140 and has received several awards for his public spirited life, including the National Productivity Award, Icon of Hope Award by The Apostolic Church, Nigeria; Special Recognition Award by Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State and many others.
