Abuja, Nigeria – The Arewa Journalists Forum, a national organization of journalists from Northern Nigeria, has commended Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State for his exceptional performance in office.
In a statement signed by President Hassan Galadima and Secretary General Abraham Awodi, the forum praised Governor Eno’s leadership, inclusivity, and development efforts, particularly in rural areas.
They noted that he has demonstrated a commitment to unity and progress, appointing non-indigenes to his government and ensuring representation for all ethnic groups in Nigeria.
The forum highlighted Governor Eno’s achievements in education, agricultural programs, and care for the vulnerable, as well as his commitment to rural development and empowerment of non-indigenes through grants to support their businesses.
Governor Eno’s approach to governance has been hailed as a model for others to emulate, demonstrating a detribalized and inclusive leadership style.
The Arewa Journalists Forum commended his dedication to service and commitment to the people of Akwa Ibom State.
The statement concludes by acknowledging Governor Eno’s outstanding performance and encouraging him to continue his good work..
“We are advocates of good governance and responsible leadership, and strive to keep leaders on their toes, commending those who merit it to encourage others, and objectively criticizing those who fall below expectations in order to make them sit up. Hence, we continue to track developments and highlight such wherever they are found irrespective of region and religion”
“Based on the reports from our partnership with NISMA, and our members, most of whom are resident in the respective States, and the media reports we have monitored over time, we are thrilled by the accomplishments of the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno”.
“He has distinguished himself in leadership in all the criteria we deployed for selection, including development efforts, inclusivity in governance, education, agricultural programmes, care for the vulnerable and general approach to governance. In all ramifications, Governor Umo Eno has changed the narrative, and given a practical definition of democracy by taking power to the people, spiced with aggressive rural development”.
“First of all, Governor Umo Eno has shown clearly that he stands for the unity and progress of Nigeria beyond the rubric of rhetoric. Governor Umo Eno has not only appointed non indigenes into his government, he ensures that each ethnic group in Nigeria has been brought into his administration. This is not just novel, but has the capacity of strengthening the chords of Nigeria’s unity, dispelling distrust and unnecessary ethnic tension. It is not that others may not have brought in non-indigenes into their governance, this is the first time each ethnic group has its own representative in a government of another State in Nigeria”.
“As if that was not enough, we have also been informed that Governor Umo Eno has given grants to the non-indigenes doing business in Akwa Ibom State to help them grow their businesses, and keep them afloat during the economic hardship of the country. We do not think that Governor Eno owed them this gesture, it is done out of love and commitment to service. This is a portrait of a truly detribalised Nigerian”.
