The defection of Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has finally come and gone, but the effects and consequences dominate political discussions and debates in the state.
While some political stakeholders, who defected with the governor, see the development as a bold step in the right direction, others see it as a decision taken for selfish interest.
After weeks of speculations, Eno on Friday finally moved to the ruling party.
The ceremony, which was held at the Government House, was attended by some APC governors in the Southern Nigeria. Among those that attended was: Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos Governor, Dapo Abiodun, Ogun State Governor, Hope Uzodinma of Imo State Governor among others.
The defection has been condemned by some chieftains of the PDP in Akwa Ibom and national leadership of the party.
A leader from Uyo Senatorial district, Otuekong Ubong Ndah, while reacting to questions from BusinessDay said that Governor Eno has used and dumped them in the middle of the river.
”We mobilized support in our wards with a promise that we will be integrated into the government, either as commissioners, board members and local government chairmen. But the Governor sidelined us with continued promises and now that he has defected to the APC, there’s no hope of compensating us again’.
“He said he is defecting in the interest of the state, but I can tell you it’s for his personal interest. Even in the PDP, he could not compensate us for the successful work we did for him. What is the possiblity that our interests will be protected in the APC?” Ndah said.
Others believe the governor will lose grip of the state with Godswill Akpabio as the leader. They expressed fears that Akpabio, the Senate President may exert undue influence and reduce the governor to a ceremonial head.
Another School of thought believes that the governor’s defection will ignite crises as a result of conflict of interests within the new APC, particularly during the build up to the next elections.
Last week, Emmanuel Enoidem a chieftain of the party in the state and former national legal adviser of the PDP, said that he would not follow Governor Eno to the APC.
Speaking on Inside Politics, on BDTV, BusinessDay Television programme, he said that his stance was based on values, not convenience.
According to him, political parties should serve as ideological homes not mere platforms for personal gain and political consistency and discipline are essential for strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
“They are harassing many people, and the APC is using intimidation to pressure people into joining ahead of 2027. I would support Eno Umo, the governor who has a strong covenant with the people of Akwa Ibom in key areas.”
The former Commissioner for Housing & Urban Renewal pointed out that Eno was one of the best governors in the country presently, saying that he would continue to support his administration even while he was in APC.
“He is one of the best governors we have had in the country, but I don’t think everybody should yield to that intimidation.
“2027 I will support Eno that’s important to our people, he has done well in key areas of development, except he changed and is not performing, because everybody who goes to APC fails. They say failure is part of the gene in the APC.
The PDP chieftain further said he had advised Governor Eno to remain in the PDP and continue his development stride in Akwa Ibom, stressing that it was his choice to move any political parties he chooses.
According to him, “What would happen when the governor defects we would now reassess the party, most people aren’t happy with the governor defection, why would we be happy with a person bringing development into the state.
However, in his reaction, Director General of Akwa Ibom State, APC Media Network and former Chairman, APC Youth Caucus, Otuekong Iniobong John described the defection of Governor Eno as the golden era in the political history of Akwa Ibom.
According to him, the historic development will stimulate rapid development and attract more democratic dividends to the state.
He congratulated the Governor for the bold step and noted that his alignment with the APC will change the economic and political fortune of the state.
On insinuations that all members of the Federal and state legislatures, who defected with the governor, will have automatic tickets for their second terms, he said Governor Eno has attracted the admiration of the APC by superior performance and political liberalism and inclusive governance, even before his defection, an achievement that has earned him automatic ticket for a second term.
“Apart from the Governor, I don’t think the state APC had automatic ticket for anyone,” he said.
Governor Eno had last week warned all political appointees in the state to defect with him to the APC, or resign from their positions.
Consequenly, this must have led the immediate resignation of the Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Iniobong Ememobong from office.
Ememobong citing his inability to join Governor Eno on his journey to the APC and resigned immediately few hours after the governor joined the APC.
According to him, the resignation is in response to the Governor’s directive that all appointees who are unwilling to join him on his political journey to the APC should resign.
The ex-commissioner explained that his decision to resign is borne out of his belief in politics with principles and his long-standing opposition to the APC.
He emphasised that his resignation does not affect his personal relationship with the Governor, who he described as a brother.
“Today, I have tendered my resignation to the Governor in compliance with his directive that his appointees who are unwilling to join him on the political journey to the APC should resign. While I cannot question or fault the Governor’s personal decision, I am unable to join in that sojourn.
“My decision is borne out of my belief in politics with principles and my long-standing opposition to that political platform, which is daily validated by numerous Nigerians across many sectors.
“This decision does not affect my personal relationship with the Governor, who calls me his brother and reposed great confidence in me by saddling me with two very important ministries (Information and Special Duties & Ibom Deep Sea Port).
“I have and will continue to have tremendous respect for HE Governor Umo Eno, even out of EXCO.
“About my history in political and public service, I look back with great satisfaction at the work I have done and leave the ultimate judgement to history and posterity. Given another opportunity, I will do more.
“Let me convey the very sincere appreciation of my family to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno for appointing me into his cabinet. Our very special appreciation goes to Udom Emmanuel, the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State for his enduring love and belief in me, especially for appointing me into the Executive Council during his administration.
“I understand this decision may not please everyone, and to those who are disappointed, I humbly seek your understanding.
“As usual, I do not know the future, but I know HE who holds the future and I trust that at the end, all things work together for good, to those who love the Lord and are the called unto HIS purpose,” he added. (BusinessDay)
