Eno, deputy, 25 assembly members receive certificates of return

Ini Billie, Uyo

The governor-elect, Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, alongside his deputy-elect, Dr Akon Eyakenyi and 25 State House of Assembly members-elect have received their certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

During the event which happened on Thursday at the INEC State headquarters, Uyo, the commission’s National Commissioner, May Agbamuche-Mbu, issued out certificates to Eno, Eyakenyi and 23 out of the 25 members-elect who were elected under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), while two were elected from the Young Progressives Party (YPP).

However, Etim Ekpo/Ika State constituency was left out as elections in the area was declared inconclusive. As such, 25 house members-elect out of 26 received their certificates of return from INEC.

Speaking after receiving his certificate of return, Pastor Umo Eno who said his victory came after a hard won fight, added that there was need for celebration.

He encouraged his opponents to join him in the celebration, saying there was no need for them to be afraid, adding that his ARISE agenda will be the basis of his government.

“Today is a day of good tidings in Akwa Ibom. Even those that didn’t support us made us to work. If you got this without a contest, then you would not appreciate what you got.

“The contest showed you the enormity of what God is about doing in your life. So you need to celebrate those people that contested with you, so there is no fear whatever,” he stated.

The governor-elect said the concept of ‘happy hour’ was to celebrate and promote tourism in the state, noting that rest and recreation was part of life.

“I am from the tourism sector, so we want to promote tourism in Akwa Ibom. Akwa Ibom will score many milestones. So, as we achieve this milestone, relax.

“Rest and recreation is part of happy hour. There is no human being that can work all through his life. So in Akwa Ibom, we work hard, we rest well,” he stated.