๐๐ฒ: ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐ซ. ๐๐ฎ๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐ฌ๐๐ฆ๐ข๐ง
In the rich Embroidery of Akwa Ibom State’s political history, the transition from Governor Udom Emmanuel to Governor Umo Eno represents a pivotal moment filled with untold tales of perseverance and serendipity. Against the backdrop of a landscape marked by economic challenges and aspirations for growth, the narratives of these two leaders intertwine in a captivating saga of trust, determination, and visionary leadership.
His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, at the International Worship Center during his administration’s one year Anniversary on the 26th of May 2024, asserted his voice on the inquisitive genesis of himself and his political Father, Deacon Udom Emmanuel CON, a story which can best be summarized as ‘One who is trustworthy in little will be remembered for good in a stormy day.’
It all started in 2006,
When Pastor Umo Eno won a contract, and was it’s first major contract awarded to an indigenous company by ExxonMobil to render catering services and housekeeping services offshore.
Governor Eno tried all the banks to help them with a loan, and no bank wanted to help. Of course, the story was that they were green with no experience, and they were right. Who would want to take a bet on you to go and do twelve offshore platforms for a company?
He couldn’t raise money; he postponed the job for three months, and the third month was the last month.
He tried so much; then he went to Zenith Bank, and he was already banking with them. A young man who was as then the Bank Manager and now a General Manager, after all the procedures, told him, ‘We have tried,’ and he ascertained that the loan won’t be given to him. But he whispered to him that he knew of one man. He is an Akwa Ibom man and he likes to help our people, and he gave pastor Eno his number but requested he shouldn’t tell Mr. Udom who gave him the number. He added, ‘Call him and explain to him, and I’m sure he can help you, and he’s the only one that can render him the help,’ and that person was Mr. Udom Emmanuel CON.
he went to his office the next day without calling him, and when he got there, someone told Gov. Eno that he went upstairs. That was when he (Pastor Umo Eno) called and explained who he was, and His Excellency responded that he could have called before coming, that he had a meeting to attend which was to last for two hours. He (Udom Emmanuel) asked him if he can wait for him to finish the two hours meeting, and he quickly responded to him that is what brought him here and he can wait the whole day.
It wasn’t up to two hours; Mr. Udom sent someone to bring Gov. Eno to his office, and that was the first time in his life he met Mr. Udom Emmanuel CON. He explained to him, and he looked at the papers, said to him, ‘It’s true that Gov. Eno didn’t have any experience,’ and he quickly replied, ‘Sir, you can give me the experience.’ he promised him that he will deliver the job, that he has been in the catering industry, and he requested for some minutes. Udom Emmanuel looked at the papers again, and then he lifted his eyes and said to him, and I quote as it was narrated by Pastor Eno ‘You need one hundred million? I will give you this money, but you know that you don’t have a guarantor. I will use all my shares to guarantee this money, but know that if you dont pay the money, he will pay the former Governor assured, but it will block other Akwa Ibomites.’ And Governor Eno promised Mr Udom Emmanuel that he will pay the money, and he asked him to take a bow. When he returned, he (Udom Emmanuel) had already magnanimously approved the loan of one hundred million Naira, and that was the first money we used to mobilize to site and started the project.
The encounter between Governor Eno and Mr. Emmanuel serves as a poignant testament to the values of compassion, trust, and solidarity that define true leadership. Governor Eno’s journey from a borrower to a worthy successor embodies the indomitable spirit and resilience ingrained in the DNA of Akwa Ibom’s people. Mr. Emmanuel’s magnanimous gesture underscores his unwavering commitment to uplifting his fellow citizens, transcending the confines of his professional domain to sow seeds of hope and opportunity.
In the intricate needlework of Akwa Ibom’s political landscape, the untold story between Governor Umo Eno and former Governor Udom Emmanuel emerges as a captivating saga of resilience, serendipity, and shared destiny. Through their chance encounter, these leaders forged a bond that transcended the realms of politics and finance, united by a common purpose to uplift and empower their homeland. As Governor Eno’s administration unfolds, the legacy of his compassionate leadership serves as a beacon of hope, lighting the path towards a brighter and more prosperous future for generations to come.
