2027: ‘Let Us Have A Battle Of Ideas And Let The People Decide’ – Gov Eno To Candidates

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has urged politicians to focus their campaigns on issue-based discussions rather than personal attacks and insults.

Speaking at the last day of the three-day prayer summit to usher in the fourth year of his administration, the Governor said insults and name calling do not win elections, but ideas, stressing that power belongs to God.

He noted that it was within the constitutional right of everyone to belong to any political party of choice, but emphasized on the need for decorum to maintain the peace in the State.

“As we go into the election season, let’s continue to maintain decorum, everyone is free to join any political party, but I know one thing, power belongs to God.”

The Governor noted that the motive for seeking leadership should not be due to bitterness, to be vindictive and to run others down.

“Those are not the qualities of leadership. Akwa Ibom has gone past that level. Let us have a battle of ideas and let the people decide who God has sent to them.

“Let’s tell the people what we have done and what we intend to do. But I know, by His grace, in the next four years, I will still be here,” he said.

He also called for unity and tolerance amongst religious leaders in the State for continued peace, enhanced development and progress.

Governor Eno also formally received some fathers of faith who were against his candidature during the 2023 elections, including Archbishop Cletus Bassey and Rev. Angela Ashong.

“On behalf of this State, not just you, every man, every woman, every servant of God, we receive them with open arms because in the peace of Akwa Ibom lies our peace, and in the prosperity of Akwa Ibom lies our prosperity, So we thank and welcome you.

“I use this opportunity to call on all other spiritual fathers and mothers, please we do not hold any grudge against anyone. We want us to come together. Our strength is in our togetherness, and we must come together, work closely together, pray together for the peace of this Jerusalem.”

The State Chief Executive urged everyone to continue to pray for Nigeria, and its leaders, with specific mention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

He appreciated the different choirs, groups and individual presenters, and announced educational support for members of the Young Professionals and Harmonic Voices Choir, who are all children, to encourage and help them pursue their talents.

The Governor also appreciated everyone for partaking in the prayer summit, and assured that the State was in good hands as he was leading with dignity, accountability and compassion, adding that the God of awesome wonders will continue to perform wonders in the State.

Preaching on the topic
“Provoking the Super Natural Wonders of God”, drawn from Job: 9:10, Psalm 77:24 and Joshua 3:5, the Senior Pastor of Shepherd House Auditorium, Apostles Joshua Talena noted that wonders are the supernatural move of God and the native language of God.

He admonished Christians to react, understand the spiritual realm, repent of their sins and adopt the nature of Christ to access the great spiritual benefits of God.

Earlier in his exhortation, the Senior Pastor of Insight Bible Church, Pastor Sylvanus Ukafia, ministering on the theme of the prayer summit, “God of Awesome Wonders,” noted that God’s wonders operate according to God’s time table, and follows consecration, adding that God is always working even when men cannot see.

He emphasized that the future of any state is not only determined by economic resources, but also by moral and spiritual resources, adding that when a people honour God, they create room for His wonders.

The prayer summit featured special ministrations, praises and worship led by some prominent Gospel artistes including Mercy Chinwo and Gaise Baba.