Gladness Gideon
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has applauded the defection of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a bold move reflecting the governor’s commitment to the welfare of the people of the state.
Governor Eno formally announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC on Friday during a ceremony held at the Government House in Uyo, the state capital. He was joined by his deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, members of the State Executive Council, federal and state lawmakers, and all 31 local government chairpersons.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Senate President Akpabio expressed delight at the development, describing Eno’s decision as a “historic defection” and a boost for the APC in Akwa Ibom State.
“It is with utmost joy that I received our governor, Pastor Umo Eno; his deputy, Akon Eyakenyi; All Progressives Congress governors led by the chairman of the forum, Hope Uzodimma; and other stakeholders of our party at my residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State,” Akpabio wrote.
“Members of the state executive council, federal and state lawmakers, as well as council chairmen have also joined the progressives’ family. Thank you, Mr Governor, for having the interest of our people at heart. Congratulations, and welcome to the fold.”
However, the mass defection was not without resistance. Shortly after the announcement, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information and Special Duties, Comrade Ini Ememobong, tendered his resignation from the state executive council.
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In a public statement shared via Facebook, Ememobong explained that his resignation was in compliance with Governor Eno’s directive that appointees unwilling to join him in the APC should step down.
“Behold another bend. 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,” Ememobong stated.
He added that while he respects the governor’s decision, he could not, in good conscience, join a political platform he has long opposed.
“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,” he said.
The defection of Governor Eno marks a significant political realignment in Akwa Ibom State, traditionally a PDP stronghold, and is expected to have implications for the political dynamics in the South-South region ahead of future elections.