Why my reconciliation with opponents angers many – Eno

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has admitted that many people are displeased with his decision to reconcile and maintain cordial relationships with political opponents who once worked against his ambition.

Speaking on Sunday in Uyo during a thanksgiving service to mark the 38th anniversary of Akwa Ibom’s creation, the governor appealed for forgiveness from those offended by his approach, urging others who may not be able to forgive to at least tolerate him until the end of his tenure.

Governor Eno explained that his commitment to embracing all Akwa Ibomites, regardless of political differences, stems from his desire to foster unity and inclusiveness across the state.

He told the thanksgiving congregation, “A lot of people are angry with me. They say oh, people that fought you, you’re now greeting them. People that did this, did that. And I say if we live in a country or a state where it is ‘an eye for an eye’, we will soon all go blind.

“Let’s learn to put the past behind us, learn to be magnanimous in victory. Let’s learn to understand that all of those things (political conflicts) happened so that the glory of God, the supremacy of of God will be revealed.

“The moment we fail to understand the place of God in our lives, then we want to take on our battles. My Bible tells me the battles belong to the Lord. There is time and season for everything under the sun.

“Let’s rise above ethnicity. Rise above parochialism, above hatred, deep seated hatred. I pray the people you’re fighting with, may your children’s paths cross. May they bring selves home to you, that they want to marry selves.”

Cautioning against unending political acrimony, Eno asked, “What are we fighting for? Too much meetings. You finish holding a meeting, they start another one. People want to control structure. The moment you want to control structure in this government, you’re a suspect.

“Forgive one another. Let’s work together for the common good of our state. Every patriotic citizen should be interested in the state. That is what this unity is about. Every Akwa Ibom leader in any sphere of life is important and we will work with them, ensure we honour and respect them.”

To those campaigning for creation of Obolo state out of Akwa Ibom, Governor Eno boasted, “You will not have any other state other than Akwa Ibom. Even those struggling to split Akwa Ibom y not succeed because Akwa Ibom remains one. Am telling you now.”

“Those I’ve offended one way or the other, find it in your heart to forgive me. It is because anything that stands between me and the interest of Akwa Ibom state, I will choose interest of Akwa Ibom. So if in doing that I’ve offended you, forgive me.

“Tolerate me for a few more years, I will soon leave, then another governor will come. Note that anything that stands in the overall interest of the state, I will be on the side of the state, not on the side of an individual.”