Gov Umo Eno urges unity at first meeting with elected council chairpersons

The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, held his first formal meeting with the newly inaugurated Local Government Chairmen on Monday, 7th October 2024, at the Executive Council chambers in Uyo. During the meeting, the Governor emphasised the importance of unity and collaborative leadership as the chairpersons assume their respective roles.

A notable highlight from the meeting was the emergence of Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, the Chairperson of Uyo Local Government Council, as the new Chairperson of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the state. Dr. Udo will be supported by Aniefiok Nkom of Ikot Ekpene and Akaninyene Tommy of Eket Local Government Councils, who were elected as vice chairperson and secretary, respectively.

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In his address, Governor Eno congratulated the chairpersons on their success in both the party primaries and the local government elections. He urged them to foster unity and development within their councils, encouraging them to avoid partisanship and divisive politics.

“As Chief Security Officers of your respective areas, you are expected to reside within your local government jurisdictions to better understand the needs and concerns of your people,” the Governor stated. He further emphasised that the Arise Agenda, his administration’s blueprint for development, focuses on improving rural communities. Therefore, local governments must prioritise the welfare of grassroots residents.

Governor Eno also reminded the chairpersons that, with the full autonomy granted to local government areas, they bear significant responsibilities. He called for close collaboration between state and local governments, especially in shared development goals for rural areas.

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Recently recognised as a ‘Champion of Democracy,’ Governor Eno urged the newly elected leaders to be inclusive in their governance. “Avoid the winner-takes-all approach. Be magnanimous in victory by working across party lines and respecting authority at both the state and national levels,” he advised.

In their remarks, the Chairpersons of Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, Essien Udim, and Nsit Ibom Local Government Areas thanked the Governor for his support and leadership. They pledged their commitment to delivering on their campaign promises and improving grassroots governance across Akwa Ibom State.