By SUNNY OKIM

The preferred candidate of Akwa Ibom State governor in the 2023 elections, Pastor Umoh Eno, on Wednesday travelled to his village to seek the blessings of his elders and kinsmen.

News Expressreliably gathered that the gubernatorial hopeful was givena rousing welcome as the entire people of his village, Ikot Ekpene Udo in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of the state trooped out to declare full support for his bid to become the next governor.

Addressing his kinsmen during the visit, Eno vowed that he will not disappoint them if given the opportunity to serve as the chief executive officer of the oil-rich state.

“I have come to pay homage to my elders and kinsmen. I have come to formally inform you of my intention to serve as governor of our beloved state come 2023. I have also come to obtain your blessings for the great task ahead,” he solicited.

Head of his family, Elder Idongesit Udofot, expressed happiness in their son for coming to pay homage to his elders and kinsmen. He showered prayers on the governorship candidate and assured him of the full support of his kinsmen.

“We stand with you,” Udofot, who is the eldest in the family, declared.

Speaking later toNews Expresson Pastor Eno’s visit and ambition, his Lagos based nephew, Mr Aniekan Ukpong said: “As a native of Ikot Ekpene Udo in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom State, first and foremost I thank the Almighty God for a day like this. I am so happy to witness the nomination of my Uncle Pastor Umo Eno Ukpong. I am happy that he deemed it fit to come to the village to tell his fathers, mothers and other relations of his ambition to run as the next Governor of Akwa Abasi Ibom State. I want to say that we, his people, are solidly behind him.”

•Pastor Umoh Eno welcomed by his kinsmen