By Bayo Etema, Uyo
Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has explained why he anointed his Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Pastor Umo Eno as his successor, saying he did it on the conviction that he would continue with the developmental strides his administration has started in the state.
Emmanuel, while speaking during the commissioning of the first private cable television station, “Spectrum TV” in Uruan local government area of the state on Monday, said he meant well for the state with the choice of Eno.
The governor who commented for the first time publicly about his successor, revealed that he waited for God to show him his worthy successor.
He said: “Let me say this emphatically. I mean well for this State, that is why I waited for God to show me the man who would continue with the pace of the developmental strides we have started in the last six years and then move the needle even further.
“Pastor Umo Eno is a highly respected person; he has enormous capacity, he is an epitome of humility, and he is blessed with the common touch, and he is God- fearing.
“He is a successful entrepreneur who has employed our people, lifted thousands from poverty to prosperity.
“He will be coming to the office of Governor with an economic blueprint that will further guarantee employment, development, and economic prosperity for our people.
“He is a man of peace and will ensure that the peace and security of life we have enjoyed in the last six plus years will be maintained. His life story resonates with the story of most ordinary Akwa Ibom people.” He said.
The Governor explained that Umo Eno’s story is a testament to the Dakkada philosophy of the state, one that will inspire and motivate our youths.
He noted that through hard work, Eno overcame his early difficulties and became an entrepreneur, one of the biggest employers of labour in the state.
He stressed that he never looked for a surrogate to do a third term but rather was looking for a man of exceptional capacity, of peace and humility .