“I Forgive And Move On”—Governor Eno’s Powerful Message To Akwa Ibom Residents

According to Ireporter Online, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has called on residents to embrace forgiveness and reconciliation as a pathway to strengthening unity and fostering development across the state. The governor made the appeal on Sunday while addressing worshippers at the 24th Eket Field Annual Convention of The Apostolic Church.

His remarks come amid heightened ethno-political tensions that have intensified following his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Governor Eno urged the people to set aside bitterness, emphasising that no individual is without flaws and that genuine progress thrives where forgiveness is practiced.

He noted that just as divine grace allows humans to receive forgiveness, citizens must also extend the same grace to one another. “We are not perfect, but through God’s love, we enjoy the goodwill of the people. True Christians must learn to forgive and reconcile for the greater good,” he said.

Governor Eno encouraged residents to avoid dwelling on past grievances, stating that his personal approach is to learn from previous mistakes, forgive, and move forward without enabling a repetition of the same errors. He stressed that communities grounded in retaliation only expose themselves to further harm, remarking that “any society built on ‘an eye for an eye’ ultimately harms everyone.”

He further cautioned against using positions of influence to oppress others, urging leaders and citizens alike to show gratitude, promote unity, and bring people together. According to him, reconciliation remains essential regardless of personal backgrounds or differences.

The governor also expressed appreciation to The Apostolic Church for its prayers and steadfast support throughout his administration and during the 2023 electioneering period.