Gov Umo Eno Harps on Rural Devt as Fulcrum of his Administration

By Sola Omoniyi, Lagos

Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno has urged all political appointees and all well-meaning Akwa Ibomites to establish a home and stimulate development in their local communities.

Speaking at an appreciation visit to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), held at the State Secretariat, Uyo, he noted that one of the major focus areas of his administration would be rural development, adding that as the second item in the ARISE Agenda, government would encourage people to return to their homes in order to galvanize development.

He announced the appointment of a personal assistant from each of the 329 political wards in the state, stressing that ward leaders must nominate those who reside within their respective wards.

The governor also said those to be appointed as members of the State Executive Council must have a house in their villages through which they could provide mentorship, support and leadership to the people in the rural communities.

Pastor Eno who is reputed for his humility and appreciative disposition, said the visit was to acknowledge the unquantifiable contribution of the party to his victory at the last gubernatorial elections.

According to him, “I came here today with my dear wife to say we are very grateful. Thank you for the privilege you have given us to serve, thank you for the platform you have given to us. ‘Thank you’ is a very small phrase but carries a lot of meaning and impact. So thank you very much.”

He also appreciated predecessor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel and wife, Deaconess Martha for their support and commitment to his victory and prayed that God will continue to bless and keep them.”

Governor Eno specifically appreciated the state Chairman of the party, Elder Aniekan Akpan for holding the party together through good leadership and assured that government will continue to support the party and ensure that it remains an indivisible and a formidable platform.

“We will show our gratitude through our policies and programmes, we will show our gratitude by ensuring that the state continues to be in peace. We will show our gratitude by ensuring that our people benefit from the dividends of democracy.”

While urging those who had left at one point or the other to return to PDP’s umbrella, he appealed to members to avoid segregation as the government is prepared to work with everyone irrespective of party affiliation for the developement of the state.