By | Emma Akpabio
The Women’s International Day celebration at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium may have ended, but this picture is unforgettable.
Governor Umo Eno and Nigeria’s Senate President, Chief Godswill Akpabio, once on opposite sides of Akwa Ibom’s political divide, clasped hands in a moment that instantly symbolized unity, trust, and a shared commitment to the state’s progress. That handshake continues to serve as a reminder that a new political era has arrived Akwa Ibom.
For decades, the state was sharply divided along party lines. Around 2008 or thereabout, even ordinary social gatherings could spark partisan tension. I remember a Sunday when a friend hosted a child dedication at Datty Hotel in Ewet Housing. When he realized the venue was owned by someone in the opposition, he refused to attend.
That was the norm: the best hotels, business centers, and social hubs were avoided if owned by opposition members. Close friends across parties rarely took photographs together, fearing blackmail, intimidation, or political sidelining. Opportunities were lost, relationships strained, and progress stifled; all because politics came before people.
Fast forward to 2020, when Chief Godswill Akpabio was a minister under the APC. A PDP friend of mine who needed a recommendation from the minister’s office for a job at NDDC chose to forfeit the opportunity rather than approach the office due to party affiliation. He simply let it go.
Governor Umo Eno’s bold move to unite political camps changed everything. When he left PDP for APC, critics scoffed, and naysayers predicted chaos. Yet, his foresight was vindicated as leaders, governors, and senators realigned, joining a new vision of collaboration.
The impact of this shift is already visible. Businesses and social hubs once avoided because of partisan ownership are now thriving. Opportunities flow more freely. But for conflict entrepreneurs, the opportunists who thrived on blackmail, manipulation, and political intimidation, this new order is bad news. Many of them have suddenly lost influence, positions, or ill-gotten gains and have been compelled to engage in meaningful, sustainable work. For society at large, that is an unambiguous good.
In the past, pre-election years were synonymous with fear and destruction. Even contests at the ward, chapter, or state levels were often marred by violence. Party nominations frequently involved bloodshed, leaving communities tense and unstable.
Today, however, the story is different. The peaceful APC state congress that ushered in a brand-new State Working Committee and Executive Council is a clear pointer that future party primaries will be orderly, democratic, and free from the chaos of the past, a sign of lasting political maturity.
The handshake between Governor Eno and Chief Akpabio has become a symbol of what happens when leaders prioritize vision and collaboration over rivalry. Infrastructure projects, healthcare initiatives, educational programs, and employment opportunities are being executed with unprecedented efficiency. Akwa Ibomites now enjoy tangible benefits regardless of party affiliation, and the state thrives in a climate of cooperation rather than fear.
Governor Eno and Chief Akpabio’s alliance has rewritten Akwa Ibom’s political narrative. It is no longer about parties or rivalry, it is now about results, prosperity, and the promise that when leaders unite, the people rise together. That handshake was more than a gesture; it was a statement.
It was a statement that the power pairing of leadership can transform divisions into progress, that unity can replace fear, and that when vision and courage meet, Akwa Ibom moves forward. Indeed, this is the era of collaboration and progress waits for no party.
POWER PAIRING FOR PROGRESS
By | Emma Akpabio
The Women’s International Day celebration at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium may have ended, but this picture is unforgettable.
Governor Umo Eno and Nigeria’s Senate President, Chief Godswill Akpabio, once on opposite sides of Akwa Ibom’s political divide, clasped hands in a moment that instantly symbolized unity, trust, and a shared commitment to the state’s progress. That handshake continues to serve as a reminder that a new political era has arrived Akwa Ibom.
For decades, the state was sharply divided along party lines. Around 2008 or thereabout, even ordinary social gatherings could spark partisan tension. I remember a Sunday when a friend hosted a child dedication at Datty Hotel in Ewet Housing. When he realized the venue was owned by someone in the opposition, he refused to attend.
That was the norm: the best hotels, business centers, and social hubs were avoided if owned by opposition members. Close friends across parties rarely took photographs together, fearing blackmail, intimidation, or political sidelining. Opportunities were lost, relationships strained, and progress stifled; all because politics came before people.
Fast forward to 2020, when Chief Godswill Akpabio was a minister under the APC. A PDP friend of mine who needed a recommendation from the minister’s office for a job at NDDC chose to forfeit the opportunity rather than approach the office due to party affiliation. He simply let it go.
Governor Umo Eno’s bold move to unite political camps changed everything. When he left PDP for APC, critics scoffed, and naysayers predicted chaos. Yet, his foresight was vindicated as leaders, governors, and senators realigned, joining a new vision of collaboration.
The impact of this shift is already visible. Businesses and social hubs once avoided because of partisan ownership are now thriving. Opportunities flow more freely. But for conflict entrepreneurs, the opportunists who thrived on blackmail, manipulation, and political intimidation, this new order is bad news. Many of them have suddenly lost influence, positions, or ill-gotten gains and have been compelled to engage in meaningful, sustainable work. For society at large, that is an unambiguous good.
In the past, pre-election years were synonymous with fear and destruction. Even contests at the ward, chapter, or state levels were often marred by violence. Party nominations frequently involved bloodshed, leaving communities tense and unstable.
Today, however, the story is different. The peaceful APC state congress that ushered in a brand-new State Working Committee and Executive Council is a clear pointer that future party primaries will be orderly, democratic, and free from the chaos of the past, a sign of lasting political maturity.
The handshake between Governor Eno and Chief Akpabio has become a symbol of what happens when leaders prioritize vision and collaboration over rivalry. Infrastructure projects, healthcare initiatives, educational programs, and employment opportunities are being executed with unprecedented efficiency. Akwa Ibomites now enjoy tangible benefits regardless of party affiliation, and the state thrives in a climate of cooperation rather than fear.
Governor Eno and Chief Akpabio’s alliance has rewritten Akwa Ibom’s political narrative. It is no longer about parties or rivalry, it is now about results, prosperity, and the promise that when leaders unite, the people rise together. That handshake was more than a gesture; it was a statement.
It was a statement that the power pairing of leadership can transform divisions into progress, that unity can replace fear, and that when vision and courage meet, Akwa Ibom moves forward. Indeed, this is the era of collaboration and progress waits for no party.
