The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has commended the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, for the peaceful conduct of the state congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Akpabio gave the commendation in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media/Communication, Anietie Ekong, in Uyo on Wednesday.
He expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the congress, noting that previous exercises in the state were often marred by factions and controversies.
“Somebody had alluded that it hasn’t been so peaceful, as past congresses were characterised by factions and mired in controversies,” Akpabio said.
He recalled that in previous years, parallel congresses were sometimes held at different venues, with conflicting outcomes recognised by the party leadership in Abuja.
“While some gathered here at the stadium, others would gather at a hotel to conduct their own parallel congress. And you would be shocked that before you get to Abuja, it is the rag-tag congress that would be recognised by the party,” he stated.
The Senate President also referenced past security concerns, revealing that party officials from Abuja had previously been escorted to the State Office of the Department of State Services for safety during congress activities.
He noted that in some states, even ward and local government congresses had led to violence and loss of lives. In contrast, he described the Akwa Ibom exercise as calm and orderly.
“But here we are in Akwa Ibom State conducting the congress as if we are in a church to take communion. Today, I give glory to God for the peace in Akwa Ibom State,” he said.
Akpabio particularly commended Governor Eno for broad consultation and inclusive leadership, which led to the emergence of a new state executive committee through consensus, in line with the party’s constitution.
“This is uncommon, this is unprecedented, and it will go down in history as the most peaceful congress in Nigeria,” he added, pledging continued support for the governor.
Party faithful at the event also pledged support, through a voice vote, for the re-election of Bola Tinubu, Senator Akpabio and Governor Eno.
In his remarks, Governor Eno thanked the Senate President for attending the congress and described his presence as dignifying the occasion. He also pledged the state’s continued support for President Tinubu’s administration.
The congress re-elected Stephen Ntukekpo as State Chairman to lead the State Executive Committee, with a focus on unity and grassroots mobilisation.
