Former Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State celebrated his 60th birthday on Saturday, July 11. This special day brought in messages from former members of his administration, a national spokesperson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction led by Kabiru Turaki, and many supporters who praised his life and service.
Current Governor Umo Eno also sent birthday wishes to Emmanuel.
The greetings, posted on Facebook, called the former governor a disciplined leader, mentor, and statesman. His impact is said to be felt even beyond his eight years in office.
Among those who shared their messages were Mr Ememobong, a former commissioner for information under Emmanuel, and Aniekeme Finbarr, a former media aide to him.
Mr Ememobong left Governor Eno’s cabinet after he chose not to move with the governor to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Emmanuel has stayed in the PDP even after Eno’s switch.
In a heartfelt tribute titled "Udom Emmanuel @ 60: When the Hunter Became the Hunted," Mr Ememobong shared how close friends surprised the former governor with an early birthday celebration. Emmanuel often avoids such events.
He explained that Emmanuel usually leaves town before his birthdays to escape celebrations, making it hard for friends and family to celebrate him.
“For years, he had mastered the art of escaping birthday celebrations. This time, those who had learned from him planned even better. The hunter had finally become the hunted, and the man who delights in celebrating others found himself at the receiving end of the love and appreciation he has so generously given over the years,” he wrote.
Mr Ememobong mentioned that the surprise party happened after Emmanuel regularly attended the monthly Holy Ghost Service of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Lagos. The friends surprised him at his home the next morning.
He described the moment when the former governor, who planned to travel soon after, was “dazed, shocked and amused all at once” when the surprise unfolded.
Mr Ememobong ended his tribute with a warm message: “Happy 60th Birthday, UGE.”
Mr Emmanuel’s media aide, Stephen Abia, shared why the former governor did not want a birthday party.
“As you are aware, Mr Emmanuel is a very private person who shies away from personal celebrations. However, reaching the age of 60 is a significant milestone. He had previously agreed to his friends’ proposal to mark the occasion, but he has since cancelled the celebration,” Mr Abia, a lawyer, told reporters in Uyo.
“He has instead chosen to devote the day to a private retreat, where he will offer private prayers and reflect on leadership, responsibility, and nation-building.”
In his Facebook post, Mr Finbarr shared that Emmanuel resisted all attempts to plan a public celebration. This made the surprise gathering necessary.
“True to his nature, he resisted every attempt to organise events in his honour. But we simply could not allow such a significant occasion to pass without expressing our gratitude to God for His faithfulness over his life,” he wrote.
Mr Finbarr described the former governor as “a father, mentor, leader, and exceptional boss to so many.”
He added, “Today, we celebrate not just the years, but the impact. We celebrate a life defined by service, excellence, integrity, compassion, and visionary leadership. We celebrate a man whose influence continues to inspire countless people across generations.”
Praying for Emmanuel, Mr Finbarr wrote: “Happy 60th Birthday, Your Excellency. May your best years still be ahead of you.”
Beyond messages from former aides, many Akwa Ibom residents also posted birthday wishes on Facebook, praying for Emmanuel’s good health and long life.
Many noted his 60th birthday as a time to reflect on his years in public service, wishing him God’s guidance in the future.
Emmanuel is a corporate technocrat, a chartered accountant, and a former executive at Zenith Bank. He won the Akwa Ibom governorship election in 2015 under the PDP and was re-elected in 2019. His time in office is credited with pushing Akwa Ibom’s economic growth and industrialisation.
He handed over to Mr Eno in 2023, who was elected on the PDP platform.
Though Mr Eno switched to the APC in June last year with several politicians, Mr Emmanuel has remained in the PDP.
Saturday’s birthday messages served not just as personal celebrations but also showed the strong ties Emmanuel has with many from his former administration. Many of these people still support him despite the changes in Akwa Ibom’s political scene.
Governor Eno, in his tribute to Emmanuel, said his predecessor has committed his life to purposeful service and visionary leadership for Akwa Ibom’s growth.
“As we celebrate this significant milestone (60 years), we acknowledge your invaluable contributions to the growth and development of our dear State, as well as the enduring legacy of purposeful leadership you had bequeathed to the State,” Mr Eno stated.
The governor asked God to bless Mr Emmanuel with good health, renewed strength, wisdom, and many more years of peace and fulfilment.
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