At the 2nd Anniversary of the Government House-based Initiative for the Advancement of Akwa Ibom Women and Youths (GIFA), the atmosphere was more than celebratory—it was resolute. The event became a platform for clarity, reassurance, and firm leadership as Governor Umo Eno addressed issues of governance, territorial integrity, political propaganda, and institutional continuity.
With unmistakable conviction, the Governor spoke on attempts by some to politicize sensitive matters, particularly the issue of oil wells belonging to Akwa Ibom State:
“I understand that people will campaign using this as political tool. We forgive them. Let them continue to hype and deceive their people in ignorance but we know the truth. We will not cede one inch, one inch of oil well belonging to Akwa Ibom state.”
— Governor Umo Eno at GIFA 2nd Anniversary
He anchored this position firmly on the rule of law, emphasizing the finality of judicial authority and the sanctity of court rulings:
“We have two Supreme Court judgments and there is no reason whatsoever, nothing has changed that will enable us begin to look at Supreme Court issues again. No committee can overturn a Supreme Court judgment. No agency of government can overturn a Supreme Court judgment.”
— Governor Umo Eno at GIFA 2nd Anniversary
In a calm but resolute reassurance to the people of the state, Governor Eno addressed public concerns surrounding natural resources:
“Let me take a moment once again to reassure our people concerning the much talked about oil wells. Let me say this loud and clear, there is no cause for alarm concerning our God-given resources.”
— Governor Umo Eno at GIFA 2nd Anniversary
The Governor further clarified the geopolitical and international dimensions of the matter, drawing attention to established boundaries and global legal implications:
“Akwa Ibom does not have a maritime boundary with Cross River. We have a maritime boundary with Cameroon and any attempt to shift that boundary will be tampering with the ICJ judgment and we know that it becomes an international issue.”
— Governor Umo Eno at GIFA 2nd Anniversary
Addressing the contrast between governance rooted in substance and politics driven by propaganda, he stated unequivocally:
“We may not be big on propaganda. We may not be big on addressing press conferences. We may not be big of gathering the people to tell them lies but we know one thing that we are firm on the ground and we are in this government together. We are in the ruling party. We will go where they go. We will meet who they meet. We will talk where they talk. We will sit where they sit and we will defend what belongs to us.”
— Governor Umo Eno at GIFA 2nd Anniversary
Beyond political and territorial discourse, the anniversary also served as a moment of reflection on purpose and progress. The Governor expressed deep satisfaction with the achievements of GIFA and commended the leadership driving its vision forward:
“I am happy to note that this Initiative is living up to the foundational ideals and objectives of its founding. You have kept faith with the implementation of the eight thematic areas and the record of achievements so far recorded as attested to by the statistics and the impact you have just reeled off. Please permit me at this point to deeply and most profoundly commend my daughter and the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Helen Obareki for the great work she and her team have done in keeping this dream alive.”
— Governor Umo Eno at GIFA 2nd Anniversary
The 2nd Anniversary of GIFA thus stood not only as a milestone of social impact but also as a reaffirmation of leadership grounded in law, truth, and unwavering commitment to defending what rightfully belongs to Akwa Ibom State.
