Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has said his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, has not “exerted any pressure” on him since he assumed office about seven months ago on May 29.
“I will say here, standing at this altar, that you have never pressured me since I replaced you. Not once,” Eno said on Christmas Day in Emmanuel’s hometown, Awa Iman, Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.
“If anything, we are the ones running after you, asking for help. So I want to thank you for who you are, your principles, your lifestyle, which is a model for all of us… You will always be my leader and I will always be your student,” Mr. Eno added.
The governor’s comment, including other things that happened at the event, is contained in a Facebook post by his press assistant, Anietie Usen.
Usen said the governor, to show his love and respect for his predecessor, was accompanied by members of his cabinet to the event.
“It would have been an incomplete Christmas celebration”
The Christmas Day church service was held at the United Evangelical Church (formerly known as Qua Iboe Church), of which Mr Emmanuel is a member.
It was Emmanuel’s first Christmas celebration since he left office as governor.
According to Mr. Usen, the former governor told those present that since he became CEO of Zenith Bank many years ago, it has been a tradition to return to his village every year to celebrate Christmas.
“He inspired his audience with the story of his closeness and connection to his town’s church,” Usen said.
“It would have been incomplete if, despite my busy schedule, I had not come to worship in the village today… I never missed this day in my village,” Mr. Usen quoted the former governor.
“The reason is that when God promoted me many years ago to become general manager of Zenith Bank, my assignments increased and I felt a calling in my spirit to return home and help my local church. In the bank there is a tradition of receiving a salary of fifteen months. I made sure not to use anything for myself or my family. I divided it: half for the church in Lagos and the other half for the church in my town. When I entered the government, I continued the tradition.”
Usen quoted the former governor as saying that he restored peace in Akwa Ibomand that he (Emmanuel) “believes that the peace covenant he signed with God will persist, especially with a pastor at the helm as governor.”
My relationship with Governor Eno – Emmanuel
Emmanuel spoke about his relationship with his successor.
“We will continue to collaborate even after his eight years as governor. The governor and I understand the challenges and know how to address them… Let me make it clear, the governor and I are united. Any support I can offer you, I will. This unique situation with a pastor as governor means that he must be a political model for Nigeria and Africa,” he said.
Emmanuel said it is not easy to lead Akwa Ibom as governor with so many people admiring the state government.
“We must pray and be patient. Achievements take time. And I am here to support, not to disrupt,” she added.
Governor Eno’s promise to his predecessor
Governor Eno promised that “as long as God grants me life” he would continue to join Mr. Udom in his hometown to celebrate Christmas.
“This gesture is the least we can offer, to show you our love and respect as a father.
“I must thank you once again for seeing the potential in me that others did not see; Even potentials that I myself was not aware of. This visit therefore is a humble way of recognizing that you are our leader, our father and we still have a lot to learn and receive from you,” the governor said.
“In eight years, you trained us all. You imparted leadership skills and embraced everyone. One thing I admire most about you, and that I find difficult to achieve, is how you handled all types of people. Maybe you can give me a hand here; maybe it will help. We had observed times when someone had hurt you, but upon meeting you, you exchanged warm greetings, defying our expectations. That is an attribute that I lack, but I recognize the need to cultivate it. I will be grateful for your guidance.
“On some occasions, when I asked my senior governor colleagues for guidance on some issues, they would turn to you and say, ‘You have Abraham as your father. “He was the one who used to help us in those problems.” And I would run to you… And you would take up the matter and resolve it successfully for us… I will always be coming and going to you for advice, sir.”
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Usen said Emmanuel, a day after Christmas, visited Eno in the governor’s hometown in Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of the state.
Mr. Udom, accompanied by his wife, Martha, was there to reciprocate Mr. Eno’s visit.