The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has lauded the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, for ensuring the peaceful conduct of the state congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held on Tuesday.
In a statement issued in Uyo by his Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Anietie Ekong, Akpabio described the exercise as historic, noting that past congresses in the state were often plagued by factional disputes, parallel gatherings, and controversy.
“Somebody had alluded that it hasn’t been so peaceful in the past,” Akpabio remarked. “There were times when one group would gather at the stadium while another faction held a parallel congress at a hotel — and surprisingly, it was sometimes the latter that received recognition in Abuja.”
He recalled that in previous exercises, officials sent from Abuja to supervise congresses had to seek protection at the State Office of the Department of State Services due to security concerns. In some states, he added, even ward and local government congresses were marred by violence and loss of lives.
“But here in Akwa Ibom,” he said, “we conducted our congress as calmly as if we were in a church receiving communion. Today, I give glory to God for the peace in this state — a peace made possible because we are led by a man who practices godliness.”
The Senate President commended Governor Eno for fostering broad consultations and inclusive leadership, which culminated in the emergence of a new State Executive Committee through consensus, in line with the party’s constitution.
“This is uncommon. This is unprecedented. It will go down in history as one of the most peaceful congresses in Nigeria,” he declared. “We will continue to support Governor Umo Eno, and I can confidently predict that the forthcoming elections in Akwa Ibom will be just as peaceful.”
Akpabio further praised the unity displayed across the ward, local government, and state congresses, noting that former political adversaries had reconciled in the interest of party cohesion.
In a voice vote during the event, party faithful pledged their support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, Senator Akpabio, and Governor Eno.
In his response, Governor Eno expressed appreciation to the Senate President for attending the congress, describing his presence as honouring and uplifting the occasion.
He thanked God for the peaceful outcome of the ward, local government, and state congresses and reaffirmed Akwa Ibom State’s support for President Tinubu’s administration.
The congress also saw the re-election of Obong Stephen Ntukekpo as State Chairman of the APC, as he continues to lead the State Executive Committee with a renewed focus on unity and grassroots mobilisation.
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