By Iyoho Emmanuel
ABUJA — The Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State governor on Mobilization in Abuja, Comrade Kingsley Iwok, has described the recent general election of the Etinan Federal Constituency Forum (EFCF), Abuja, as a model of direct democracy worthy of emulation across Nigeria.
Iwok, who spoke during the monthly general meeting of the forum in Abuja, which also featured the election of a new Executive Council, said the peaceful, free and transparent conduct of the poll demonstrated the true essence of democracy.
The election produced Elder Nkereuwem Enoch Umoh as President-elect, alongside other members of the new Executive Council, who are expected to be sworn in on November 1, 2026, for a four-year tenure.
According to Iwok, the election provided a practical demonstration of direct democracy, where people freely come out to elect those they know and trust to represent them.
He said the conduct of the election was particularly remarkable because it was achieved without coercion, incitement or acrimony.
“I was so impressed to see how the people of Etinan, without coercion and without incitement, understood the real parameters of what an election stands for,” he said.
Iwok noted that the EFCF election could serve as a useful reference point for electoral bodies and stakeholders ahead of the forthcoming general elections, urging those involved in the electoral process to study and emulate the peaceful pattern adopted by the forum.
He linked the peaceful conduct of the election to Governor Umo Eno’s philosophy of peace, unity and togetherness, stressing that political ambition should never be allowed to result in violence or bloodshed.
“His ambition does not worth the blood of any Nigerian or any compatriot. That is why the governor stands for peace, unity and togetherness,” he added.
On the occasion of Akwa Ibom State’s 39th anniversary, the governor’s aide commended the Eno administration for what he described as visible development strides across the state.
Iwok said the commissioning of projects and implementation of various programmes demonstrated the governor’s commitment to improving the lives of Akwa Ibom people.
He listed road dualisation, health infrastructure, empowerment programmes and recreational facilities among the areas where the administration had made significant interventions.
According to him, the achievements reflected the implementation of the governor’s ARISE Agenda, which focuses on agricultural development, infrastructure, security and education.
“The governor is focusing on and implementing these programmes one after the other to affect and impact the lives of the people,” he noted.
Iwok further described Governor Eno as a man of peace and a leader with a clear vision, arguing that peace remained fundamental to sustainable development and economic growth.
He said a peaceful environment would encourage foreign direct investment and enable investors to commit their resources without fear of destruction or instability.
“The priority of the governor is peace and unity. Without peace, no state or society can develop,” he stressed.
While congratulating the people of Etinan Federal Constituency on the successful election, Iwok urged the newly elected EFCF leadership to sustain the spirit of peace and unity as they prepare to assume office.
He warned that internal disagreements, sabotage and prolonged crises could undermine the ability of the new leadership to implement the programmes and promises contained in their manifestos.
Iwok, therefore, appealed to the incoming executive members to work together as brothers and sisters, fathers and sons, stressing that unity and cooperation would be essential to delivering on their electoral promises.
He was optimistic that the new leadership would build on the peaceful foundation established during the election and use their tenure to advance the interests and welfare of members of the Etinan Federal Constituency Forum.