Posted by Segun Abimbola, Lagos.

Shortly after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), today, issued the Certificate of Return to the Governor-elect of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, groups and individuals in and outside the State have sent their goodwill messages to identify with the incoming Governor.

One of the first in the political class to officially celebrate the elected governor, was the Executive Chairman, Ibiono Ibom Local Government Council, Hon. Ekopimo Polycarp Edet, who pledged his unwavering support and loyalty to the incoming administration under Pastor Umo Eno and prayed the Almighty God to grant him good health, protection, wisdom, courage, and guidance in his preparation and governance of Akwa Ibom.

The Ibiono Ibom Council boss who was among eminent sons and daughters of the State that witnessed the ceremony at the State INEC Headquarters, Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo, told Journalists at the sidelines of the event that, Pastor Umo Eno deserved commendation for his commitment to run an all-inclusive government.

He maintained that the unity, peace, understanding and brotherhood of all Akwa Ibomites were imperative, for the state being the pacesetter in infrastructure development, industrialization, education, agriculture, human capital development among others to move forward.

Hon. Edet specifically said that the ARISE agenda of Pastor Eno, will ensure full-scale development especially at the grassroots and in the hinterlands, hinting that the Governor-elect has provided a detailed and promising roadmap for the State.

He predicated smooth transition of power from Deacon Udom Emmanuel to the incoming government, saying: “The fact that Pastor Umo Eno has enormous goodwill from across the board - the Christian bodies, Traditional Institution, Stakeholders, Local Government, Socio-political institution, Students Union, etc, will make the task easy for him and I do hope that he will make Akwa Ibomites proud.

The Ibiono Ibom Chairman used the occasion to urge the people of the state to sheath their swords and support Pastor Umo Eno, whom he referred to as "Joshua of our time," as he embarks on the onerous mission of leading Akwa Ibom to the land of Promise.