Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has appealed to residents of the state to accept the apology tendered by the lead pastor of Household of Love Churches, Rev. Yinka Yusuf, over his alleged inflammatory comments against the state and its people.
The governor made the appeal on Sunday at the February edition of the Government House Covenant Service held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, urging citizens to forgive the cleric and move past the incident.
Governor Eno described Akwa Ibom people as hospitable and accommodating, noting that the state had already accepted the apology and resolved to put the matter behind it. “As a state, we have put this behind us. We have accepted the apologies. We were even more blessed by the visit of the Founder and General Overseer of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor W.F. Kumuyi, who was in the state at the same time for a five-day crusade,” the governor said.
He commended security agencies for their timely intelligence gathering and intervention, which he said prevented the situation from escalating after youths reacted angrily to a recording of the pastor’s remarks.
The governor disclosed that he had directed the State Attorney-General to halt preparations for legal proceedings against Rev. Yusuf, stressing the government’s commitment to peace and restraint.
According to him, the intervention of security agencies helped calm tensions and ensured that no harm came to the cleric or the public.
Governor Eno also announced that the second anniversary of the Golden Initiative for All (GIFA) would be held on February 20, 2026, at Ibom Hall in Uyo, noting that the date coincides with the birthday of his late wife.
The service featured a sermon by the Lead Pastor of Honeystreams Church, Pastor (Dr.) Akomaye Ugar, and was attended by top government officials, political leaders, clergy and worshippers from across the state.
