By SUNNY OKIM

Pastor Umoh Eno, the preferred candidate of Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State in the 2023 governorship election, on Sunday kicked off consultations to various interest groups in the state.

His first port of call along with his entourage, was the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Nsit-Ubium, and Oku Ibom Ibibio, His Eminence Ettenyin Solomon Etuk.

The governorship hopeful who is the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources said he was in the palace of the monarch whom he describes as his father to seek his royal blessing, as he throws his hat in the ring for the 2023 gubernatorial election.

“I know you as my father. Papa, I came here to inform you that majority of stakeholders of the PDP in Akwa Ibom State have endorsed me to run for the governorship of this state. My hands are already on the plough and I won’t look back”, Eno informed the royal father.

Welcoming the gubernatorial aspirant and his entourage to his palace, the monarch who is also the President General, Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council (TRC), said as a royal father, his doors are open to all, and charged political actors to play the game by the rules.

The monarch further expressed his appreciation to Pastor Eno for his visit and thereafter showered the visitor with royal blessings and advice.

“Umo Eno is a child of respect. I’m a traditional priest. What God has destined for any man cannot be erased. I don’t hate any one.

"Stakeholders have endorsed you as you said and you came here for royal blessing. The ultimate thing as a king, I look at how we can live in peace, live in harmony with one another. My doors are open to all”.

“2023 election will come and go, but we will still remain a united people and state. My advice is that election is a periodic constitutional process. I call on the political class not to heat up the polity, but to consolidate on the gains we’ve so far achieved”.

“I want the best for my state. I want us to live in peace and harmony. Let God be with you, let him take over the job. May you be in good health. Protect the integrity of this state and what we are known for which is peace. Love, peace and unity are my desire and wishes as you embark on this political journey to lead the state. My God will lead you, protect you and family. Hold fast unto your God and He will see you through”.

The governorship aspirant had earlier in his speech at the palace justified kneeling down to Governor Udom Emmanuel as portrayed in a viral picture recently.

According to him, his background and training would continue to propel him to show respect to constituted authorities and no amount of media attacks can stop him.

“I saw them write on social media; 'see a pastor because of politics kneeling down for a governor'. If they know that the church is subordinate to the state and we are to subject ourselves to constituted authority, they would understand”.

“I grew up in a home where respect was taught in the family. We were equally taught respect in school and of course the church. My parents taught me that when you are in a bus and you see an old person standing, you have to get up from your seat and offer the older person to sit. I believe that our people must begin to learn that culture of respect”, he said.

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