EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: DON ETIEBET RECOUNTS THE GAINS OF AKPABIO – ENO COLLABORATIVE LEADERSHIP IN AKWA IBOM

Former Petroleum Minister and Elder Statesman Speaks to The Confluence Editorial Board on Peace, Development, Federal Presence, and the Future of Akwa Ibom State

Editorial Board, The Confluence: Atuekong, thank you for granting us this interview. As someone who has closely participated in the political evolution of Akwa Ibom State over the decades, how would you assess the current state of affairs under Governor Umo Eno?

Atuekong Don Etiebet: Thank you very much for this opportunity to speak about the current situation in Akwa Ibom State.

As I have always said, Pastor Umo Eno came into office as a pastor and a shepherd of the people of Akwa Ibom State. He came with a vision of peace, unity, and reconciliation. His mission has been to bring all Akwa Ibom people together, irrespective of ethnic or political differences, and to foster an atmosphere of harmony, cordiality, and collective progress.

Today, the results are evident. Akwa Ibom State is widely regarded as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, and much of this can be attributed to the synergy and cooperation between Governor Pastor Umo Eno and the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON.

For people like me who have witnessed the political evolution of Akwa Ibom State over the years, this development is particularly gratifying.

Editorial Board: You have repeatedly spoken about peace as one of Governor Umo Eno’s greatest achievement. Why do you consider this so important?

Atuekong Don Etiebet: Government policies and leadership affect not only the economic and social well-being of the people but also their psychology, morale, and sense of belonging.

The emergence of Pastor Umo Eno as Governor has been a blessing and, indeed, a divine intervention. He has brought about the much-needed peace that Akwa Ibom State has sought for decades.

Since 1979, ethnic divisions and political boundaries often created challenges that were difficult to overcome. However, Governor Umo Eno has demonstrated an exceptional ability to bridge these divides.

I have often described him as a “solvent” leader capable of dissolving the parochial interests, ethnic barriers, and lingering tensions that once existed among the various groups in our state. He has successfully united the people and created an environment where development can flourish.

Editorial Board: Beyond peace and unity, what aspect of Governor Umo Eno’s leadership has impressed you most?

Atuekong Don Etiebet: One of the most commendable aspects of his administration is his commitment to continuity in governance.

He has completed projects initiated by previous administrations without discrimination or political bias. Rather than focusing on who started a project, he has focused on ensuring that projects are completed for the benefit of the people.

The only major project that is often mentioned as still evolving is the Science Park initiative originally conceived during the administration of former Governor Victor Attah. However, Governor Umo Eno has already integrated many of the intended services of that project into the Youth Development Centres spread across the state.

In essence, he has decentralized those developmental objectives and brought them closer to the people.

Editorial Board: Let us turn to the role of the Senate President. How would you assess Senator Godswill Akpabio’s contributions to Akwa Ibom State since becoming President of the Senate?

Atuekong Don Etiebet: Let me commend the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for his remarkable contributions to Akwa Ibom State since assuming office.

One of the most significant achievements of the federal government facilitated by the senate President that is so dear to my heart is the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology in Akwa Ibom State, particularly in Oruk Anam Local Government Area, my hometown.

This is a landmark achievement deserving of commendation.

Editorial Board: Why do you regard the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology as such a transformative project?

Atuekong Don Etiebet: The location itself has historical significance. It was the site of one of the agricultural settlements established during the colonial era in the 1950s.

I vividly remember visiting the area as a student of Government School, Ikot Ebiat, to learn about modern farming practices.

Today, that same location is being transformed into Federal University of Agriculture and Technology. This development will drive research, innovation, food security, and economic growth.

The institution will contribute significantly to agricultural advancement, food processing, and technological innovation, all of which are critical to the future development of our state and nation.

Editorial Board: Beyond infrastructure and institutions, what impact has Senator Akpabio’s national position had on Akwa Ibom people?

Atuekong Don Etiebet: Senator Akpabio has facilitated the appointment of several Akwa Ibom indigenes into key federal positions.

These appointments strengthen our representation at the national level and attract greater federal presence and opportunities to the state.

For example, the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria has roots in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District. Similarly, other distinguished Akwa Ibom sons and daughters have been appointed into strategic national positions and federal agencies.

Such appointments not only elevate the profile of the state but also create avenues for federal investments, partnerships, and development opportunities.

Editorial Board: Many people point to infrastructure as one of the major benefits of the Akpabio–Eno partnership. What are some examples that stand out to you?

Atuekong Don Etiebet: The Senate President has played a critical role in facilitating federal projects and infrastructural development across Akwa Ibom State, particularly through his strong collaboration with the state government.

One notable example is the dualisation of the Uyo–Ikot Ekpene Road.

Although it is a federal highway, the project was initiated with the expectation that the Federal Government would eventually extend and complete the route to Aba.

Today, travel between Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, and Aba has become significantly easier and faster.

This development is strategically important because Aba has long been one of Nigeria’s foremost manufacturing and commercial hubs. Improved connectivity between Akwa Ibom and Abia States will enhance trade, facilitate the movement of goods and services, and stimulate economic activities across the region.

Editorial Board: What opportunities do you see in the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project?

Atuekong Don Etiebet: The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway initiative championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a transformative infrastructure project that will pass through Akwa Ibom State and unlock enormous economic opportunities.

Anyone who has travelled abroad and witnessed the impact of major highway networks on regional economies will understand the immense potential of this project.

Upon completion, it will create new investment opportunities, promote tourism, facilitate trade, and stimulate economic growth across multiple states, including Akwa Ibom.

Editorial Board: The Itu–Calabar Road has been a source of concern for many years. Do you see progress being made there?

Atuekong Don Etiebet: Absolutely. The long-neglected Ikot Ekpene–Itu–Calabar Road is finally receiving attention. For years, this critical road remained in poor condition, causing hardship for commuters and businesses.

Through the combined efforts of the Senate President and Governor Umo Eno, the Federal Government has resumed work on the project, and significant progress is being made.

The days when travellers spent several frustrating hours navigating that route will soon become a thing of the past.

Editorial Board: You are from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District. What specific changes have you observed in the district under this collaborative leadership?

Atuekong Don Etiebet: I am particularly pleased to speak about the remarkable progress that has come to Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District during the tenure of Governor Umo Eno and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

As I have consistently maintained, Governor Umo Eno has helped eliminate the unhealthy divisions that once existed among our people.

Under his administration, Ikot Ekpene is witnessing significant economic transformation.

Editorial Board: Could you elaborate on the economic transformation taking place in Ikot Ekpene?

Atuekong Don Etiebet: The development of the Ikot Ekpene International Market, strategically located between Aba and Uyo, has enormous economic potential.

This market is positioned to become a major commercial hub, attracting locally manufactured products from Aba and imported goods through the growing international operations at Ibom Air and the Ibom Airport.

The resulting increase in trade and commercial activity will greatly enhance the economic value and strategic importance of Ikot Ekpene.

In addition, the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot Ekpene stands as one of the finest hospitality facilities in Nigeria, both in terms of physical infrastructure and service delivery. It has become a symbol of modern development and a catalyst for tourism and business activities in the area.

Editorial Board: Finally, what is your overall assessment of the Akpabio–Umo Eno partnership and its future prospects for Akwa Ibom State?

Atuekong Don Etiebet: With Governor Umo Eno and Senate President Godswill Akpabio working together in unity, mutual respect, and cooperation, we have every reason to be optimistic about the future of Akwa Ibom State.

We thank Almighty God that many of the aspirations we have long held for our state are gradually becoming reality.

Peace, development, unity, and prosperity are no longer distant hopes—they are becoming visible achievements.

That, in my view, is the greatest gain of the Akpabio–Eno collaborative leadership.