Akpabio Urges People To Ignore Gossip About Him And Gov Umo Eno

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has cautioned the people of Akwa Ibom State against listening to gossip and malicious claims about his relationship with Governor Umo Eno, insisting that the two leaders enjoy mutual understanding anchored on peace and the progress of the state.

Akpabio gave the assurance on Friday when he led a delegation of National Assembly members and political associates to the palace of the Oku Ibom Ibibio, His Eminence Ntenyin (Dr.) Solomon Daniel Etuk, at Nsit Ubium. The visit, which drew top traditional and political figures, turned into a symbolic reconciliation moment between Akpabio, an Annang son, and the wider Ibibio leadership.

“Don’t listen to naysayers and blackmailers,” the Senate President declared.
“Governor Umo Eno is my brother and a man of peace. I am solidly behind him and will support him one hundred percent to succeed as a second-term governor.”

Akpabio said he deliberately used the occasion to reaffirm unity among Akwa Ibom’s political blocs, stressing that gossip and blackmail thrive only when people fail to communicate directly.

“My visit to this palace today is a major reconciliation move and will rekindle peace, love and unity in Akwa Ibom State,” he said. “Under Governor Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom is united because of his decision to link us to the centre by joining the APC. When I was governor, I controlled the structure of the party, but I have handed it to him. Akwa Ibom must remain one family.”

The Senate President described his host, the Oku Ibom Ibibio, as a man of peace whose leadership has helped stabilise the state.

“The most costly peace is better than the cheapest war,” he said. “I once made an appeal to him without seeing him physically, and he listened. Today there is peace in Akwa Ibom State.”

He also thanked the traditional rulers for their warm reception despite the short notice, noting that it showed that his “home is intact.”

Akpabio’s remarks came amid speculation by political mischief-makers on social media about his relationship with the state government. But the Senate President stressed that his focus remained on governance, national cohesion, and strengthening the bond between Akwa Ibom and the federal centre under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Royal Endorsement

In his welcome address, His Eminence Ntenyin Etuk reaffirmed the unwavering support of the Ibibio Traditional Council for both President Tinubu and Senator Akpabio, whom he described as “our son and a child of grace.”

“We know who Godswill Obot Akpabio is,” the royal father said. “If we don’t know him, then we are not his. As a king, I know my children — the good and the bad. But the good and the bad must live together with hope that the bad will change.”

The monarch praised Akpabio’s accomplishments as Senate President and thanked President Tinubu for “carrying him along” in the governance of the nation. He appealed to the Senate President to ensure that the long-awaited Akwa Ibom Seaport project becomes reality and applauded the Senate for recently passing the bill on defilement of minors, describing it as a major step toward protecting children nationwide.

“To whom much is given, much is expected,” Ntenyin Etuk said. “We are proud that our son is making Akwa Ibom proud at the national level.”

Reconciliation and Forward Vision

Akpabio, visibly moved by the reception, said the palace visit was not merely a formality but a reaffirmation of his commitment to peace across all ethnic lines in the state. He emphasised that the political family in Akwa Ibom must rise above rancour and gossip to build a future of shared progress.

“Akwa Ibom must move forward in unity. I will continue to work with Governor Umo Eno and all our leaders to ensure peace and development,” he stated.

At the end of the meeting, the traditional council offered prayers for Akpabio’s continued wisdom and success in office. Observers at the palace described the atmosphere as warm and reconciliatory, marking a new phase of cooperation between the state’s top political leaders and its revered royal institution.

With both the Senate President and the governor now publicly affirming mutual respect, Akwa Ibom’s political temperature appears to be cooling, paving the way for a united front as the state looks toward deeper integration with the national administration and renewed development prospects under President Tinubu’s watch.

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