ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, the Akwa Ibom State Governor-elect, says he holds no grudge against anybody despite the storm of opposition which trailed his choice as the standard bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party in the State.
The cleric stated this in his acceptance speech after he was declared winner of the Governorship contest by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Sunday evening, saying that he will not disappoint in his task.
Pastor Eno won in 29 of 31 local government areas, polling a total votes of 354, 084 to emerge winner of the Governorship race.
The Governor-elect called on the opposite parties and the entire people of the State to join hands with him to build an egalitarian state for the benefits of all.
However, he dedicated the victory to God even as he appreciated Governor Udom Emmanuel for the confidence reposed in him, and the church, his family, the PDP as well as the people of the state for their unalloyed supports.
The text reads: “I stand here, humbled yet energized by the massive support and overwhelming vote of confidence in my capacity to be your Servant-Leader in the next four years that you showed me yesterday, at the polls. It was peaceful, credible, fair and a ringing expression of the will of our people.
“You came out massively to vote for the continuation of the peace and security of lives and property we have enjoyed in the last almost eight years; the continuation of a Christ-centric leadership, of humility in governance, compassion, competence, character and development across all sectors. You did this, so our children and generations yet unborn will enjoy the dividends of democracy and live happily, in brotherhood, love and unity.
“I dedicate this victory to God, for the grace He has shown me, for the strength to carry on, in the face of several challenges and for the inner peace to keep moving with my eyes clearly set on the ball and not to be distracted. To THAT SAME GOD be all the glory!
”Let me specifically thank my Political Father, the Leader of our Party, our dear Governor, His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, for seeing in me, what others may not have seen. Thank you Your Excellency, for standing by me, for leading the troop for the continuation of good governance.
“I pledge to you, Your Excellency and our dear people who have bought into your vision that I will not disappoint in this onerous task God has placed on my shoulders. Like you have shown, I am coming thoroughly prepared to hit the ground running from Day One.”
He further thanked his wife and family, “for providing me the comfort and unwavering support and prayers in the face of vile and manufactured lies and propaganda that were concocted against me. I know how emotionally traumatized those moments may have been, but the battle is over now, and I bear no grudges.
“To our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), our Chairman, Elder Aniekan Akpan and the State Executive Working Committee, our Campaign Council Director General, H.E. Ambassador Assam Assam (SAN), the members of the Campaign Council and all the Directorates, you all deserve a huge pat on the back for staying true to our convictions and your unyielding dedication to our victory at the polls.
“As a pastor, I harbor no hate or animosity towards any one. As Abraham Lincoln once said, “with malice towards none, with charity for all”, I promise to run an all-inclusive government, where no one would be punished or victimized on account of holding a different political opinion.
“We are all Akwaibomites first and foremost before our political labels. Political parties are vehicles to attain power, they cannot substitute the bond of unity and brotherhood we have all shared for centuries.
“It is a known fact that politics may have created a gulf of alienation in some sections of our society. I hereby pledge to set up a Reconciliation Committee to bring our brothers and sisters together and look at things that deepen our unity than those that divide us.
”Thank you for this great opportunity to serve, God bless Akwa Abasi Ibom State, God bless us all,” he concluded.