The ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative is set to be launched in Akwa Ibom State, with members of the group meeting Governor Umo Eno at the Hilltop Mansion, Uyo, ahead of the formal unveiling. The socio-political group disclosed that before the grand launch, it would visit the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and embark on local government tours across the state.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D, has said that the state must continue on the path of peace and development as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections. The governor made this known on Friday, January 9, 2025, while receiving members of the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative on a courtesy visit at the Government House, Uyo.
Governor Eno commended the initiators of the group for turning their idea into reality and praised the composition of the initiative as a true reflection of a united Akwa Ibom. He said the collaboration and inclusiveness within the group represent the unity that will continue to drive the state’s progress and the success of the ARISE Agenda.
“This group reflects unity of the Akwa Ibom Spirit, and I believe this group will enhance a seamless election for President Tinubu, GCFR, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, myself and other candidates of the Party,” he said. “As history beckons towards the general elections, we must ensure that all groups have the endorsement of the party. We must continue on the trajectory of peace and development. You cannot sacrifice one for the other. Without peace, there can be no development.”
The governor also used the opportunity to urge Akwa Ibom residents to take part in the ongoing e-registration of voters by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and mobilise for massive participation during the elections. “I want to use this opportunity to charge the people of Akwa Ibom State to participate in the ongoing e-registration of voters by INEC and mobilise effectively for massive victory at the polls,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the President General of the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative, Engr. Uwem Okoko, FNSE, said the group is made up of people with shared values who have united to mobilise support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Umo Eno, and other candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Okoko described President Tinubu’s administration as one that has provided Akwa Ibom State with stronger federal integration, citing the leadership role of Senator Akpabio as a major boost to the state’s political relevance. “President Bola Tinubu’s administration has given Akwa Ibom State the best integration with the Federal Government. Today, we have a sitting and performing Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who is doing well, promoting the interest of Akwa Ibom State and fostering the unity and growth that abounds as the first son of the soil to attain that office,” he said.
He further stated that the group stands firm behind the re-election of the president, the Senate president, and the governor. “Akwa Ibom State stands with President Bola Tinubu for his second term, we stand with Senator Godswill Akpabio, not just for his re-election, but to return as Senate President in 2027, and support Gov. Umo Eno to consolidate on his impressive leadership service beyond 2027. The APC will win all 26 seats in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, 10 House of Representatives seats and three Senatorial seats,” the President General added.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT), Sir Victor Antai, said that the unity fostered by Governor Umo Eno and Senator Godswill Akpabio has reshaped the political environment in the state. “I am impressed with the calibre of persons at this gathering. It is the beginning of a new history, and in 2027, we shall give every candidate of the APC in Akwa Ibom State the utmost support for victory,” he said.
The State Party Chairman of the APC, Obong Stephen Ntuekpo, assured that the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative would have a role in the campaign structure of the party. He commended the group for coming together under a shared vision to strengthen unity and political coordination. “This group will have a place in the campaign structure of the APC as we look forward to when campaigns shall start, and we will work in synergy to carry everyone along the paths of victory,” Ntuekpo said.
Rt. Hon. (Sir) Udo Kierian serves as the International Coordinator of the group. Other members of the Board of Trustees include Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob, Sir Monday Uko, Prof. Eno Ibanga, Chief Saviour Enyiekere, and Prince Enobong Uwah, who is the Secretary General of the Board.
Coordinators across the senatorial districts include Mrs. Eunice Thomas, Rt. Hon. Eric Akpan, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko, Rt. Hon. Uno Etim Uno, and Hon. Anthony Luke. Mkpisong Frank Archibong serves as the Organising Secretary, Dr. Glory Edet is the Woman Leader, while Hon. Aniekan Umanah is the Director of Media and Publicity.
The group announced its plan to meet with the Senate President and conduct local government tours before the official launch of the ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative in Akwa Ibom State.
