President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has described Akwa Ibom State as a shining example of unity, development and progress in Nigeria.
Akpabio spoke on Tuesday as the Special Guest of Honour at the official commissioning of an Airbus A220-300 aircraft acquired by Ibom Air at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo.
A statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, quoted Akpabio, a former two-term governor of the state, as saying the latest development had further positioned Akwa Ibom as a model for other states. 
“With the commissioning of today, Akwa Ibom State has become the shining example of unity, development and progress in Nigeria,” he said.
The Senate President commended Governor Umo Eno for his administration’s efforts in transforming the state, particularly in the areas of infrastructure and human capital development.
“Thank you for the transformation you have brought to the state. Everyone that appreciates your efforts and prays for you shall continue to live long to see the developments you are doing in the state,” Akpabio said.
He stressed the importance of maintaining unity in the state, declaring his support for the state government and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The unity of this state remains paramount. I stand on Arise in this state and at the federal level, we all stand on the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he added.
Akpabio also praised Eno for investing in the training of young people from the state for careers in the aviation industry.
“Let me thank Governor Eno for what I have seen here today, particularly the number of Akwa Ibom children you are training to join the aviation industry. I am seeing Eno in me. He is also seeing himself in me,” he said.
He commended the Chairman of Ibom Air, Captain Mfon Udom, and the airline’s management for the acquisition of the aircraft, describing the development as a significant milestone for the state.
“Nothing is as gratifying as my presence here today. I am assuring us all that this state will never experience what other states experienced in the past between their governor and the President of the Senate.
“As a good student of history, I have made up my mind that rather than fight with my governor, I will join hands with him to develop our state,” Akpabio declared.
The Senate President further commended Governor Eno for continuing projects inherited from previous administrations, saying the decision demonstrated continuity in governance.
“Thank you, Governor Eno, for not abandoning the money of Akwa Ibom people. You have decided to complete all projects initiated by previous administrations. This shows that you are truly a man of God,” he said.
Akpabio also acknowledged former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, for the creation of Akwa Ibom State in 1987.
“Let me also use this opportunity to thank former President of Nigeria, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, for creating this state for us. May God continue to bless and keep him,” he added.
Eno declares September month of appreciation
Earlier, Governor Eno thanked Akpabio for honouring the state’s invitation to formally commission the Airbus A220-300 aircraft on behalf of the state government.
Eno declared September a month of appreciation, noting that the month marked the anniversary of the creation of Akwa Ibom State out of the old Cross River State by the Babangida administration in 1987.
He urged the people of the state to use the period to appreciate God for the progress recorded by Akwa Ibom since its creation.
The governor described the acquisition of the Airbus as part of Ibom Air’s fleet expansion programme and commended past leaders of the state for laying the foundation for the development of the state’s aviation sector.
He thanked them for “the vision they espoused and the pathway they created, leading to this moment where, with the finisher’s anointing, we are expanding the growth of our aviat
