Akpabio made the call in Uyo, the state capital, during activities marking the 39th anniversary of Akwa Ibom State’s creation.
The Senate President, a former governor of the state, also commended Eno for what he described as his commitment to development, peace, and economic advancement in the state.
Akpabio said Akwa Ibom’s progress should remain above partisan considerations, stressing the need for continuity in the state’s development.
He said, ‘I therefore commend Governor Umo Eno for sustaining the journey of development through the ARISE Agenda and for his commitment to peace, rural development, economic advancement and the welfare of our people.
‘The progress of Akwa Ibom must always rise above partisan considerations. Every generation of leaders has a duty to add another storey to the edifice handed down to it.’
Speaking on the 2027 elections, Akpabio called for the re-election of Tinubu and Eno, while expressing confidence in support for the President across the South-South region.
‘President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a friend of the South-South zone, and he will get maximum victory from the region and other parts of the country,’ the Senate President said.
Akpabio also urged the people of Akwa Ibom to continue supporting the state’s development, saying the 39th anniversary should be an opportunity to reflect on its progress and future.
He said the state had grown significantly since its creation in 1987, attributing its development to the resilience and contributions of its people.
‘Our greatest resource has always been our people,’ he said.
Akpabio also recalled his tenure as governor of the state, saying the infrastructure, institutions and human-capital investments made during his administration provided foundations for subsequent governments to build upon.
‘The years of Uncommon Transformation demonstrated what is possible when vision is matched by courage, when public resources are deployed for the public good, and when leadership refuses to accept yesterday’s limitations as the boundaries of tomorrow’s possibilities,’ he said.
He urged the people to look beyond the anniversary celebrations and work towards building a state with greater opportunities for young people, enterprise and innovation.
‘The task before us is not merely to celebrate how far we have travelled, but to imagine how much farther we can go,’ Akpabio said.
‘Akwa Ibom is rising. And together, we shall continue to build a future worthy of the dreams of our founding fathers.’
Akwa Ibom was created on September 23, 1987, by the military administration of former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida.