Your movement to APC won’t be forgotten – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has given assurance to Gov Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State. He promised that Gov Umo Eno’s movement to the All Progressives Congress (APC) would not be forgotten.

Tinubu made these remarks during the grand reception of Eno into the APC. The event took place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday.

The President, represented by the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, added that the party would support the governor with his developmental strides.

He promised to support the governor in achieving his dreams of developing Akwa Ibom to a state of his dreams.

“We are here because we believe in building bridges, not walls, and mending fences, not destroying them.

“President Tinubu is a bridge builder, and your decision to come to the APC is one you can never regret. 

“The president assures you that you won’t be humiliated or forsaken. We are your brothers, and we will rise together. We are not an assemblage of politicians; we are family.

“We will stand by you. We will also stand by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. He went through fire because of our party.

”We are all with you, and we shall succeed together. On behalf of the president, I thank you for coming to APC,” Tinubu said.

In his remarks, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, stated that the reception of Eno signified a reunification. This reunification brought the South South states to the centre.

Akpabio said that Eno’s defection to the APC was not just a defection but a movement to the progressive family.

He assured Akwa Ibom people of two things. He said the movement of Eno to the APC would bring more dividends of democracy to the State.

“What we have here today is not just a political movement, but a political maturity. You have placed the peace and development of Akwa Ibom state above party lines.

“We say welcome to the progressive family. We know you are going to add value and not number to the family. It’s going to be from celebrations to collaborations.

“I see things turning around for good in Akwa Ibom. You are a man of your word; there is nothing anybody can do to you.

“Among the things you asked for was the Ibom deep seaport from the centre. Don’t worry, we will give you more than you asked for,” Akpabio said.

Earlier, Eno said that on June 6, he made the progressive movement to APC to align with the center. He wanted to support President Tinubu’s reforms to bring economic growth to the country.

He appealed to the President and the federal government. He asked them to ensure his movement to the progressive party brings progress. This progress should translate to the realization of establishing Ibom Deep Seaport. 

He pleaded with the President to honour his word and justify his movement to APC.

We are not afraid to join the APC. We know that with APC, we will realise our Ibom Deep Seaport. That is our plea.

“For over 30 years Akwa Ibom has struggled to have that seaport.  Today, we are reassured that our request will be granted.

“Akwa Ibom people look with hope to the face of the President that this movement will bring blessings,” Eno said.

The governor assured the President that the state would support him to win. He would then return to continue with his reforms in 2027.

In his remarks, the National Chairman of APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, handed over the APC flag to Eno. He described him as a wise man.