Governor Umo Emo, representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, has firmly declared his stance against engaging in political conflicts with Bola Tinubu, the leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), at the centre in a political fight.
During a gathering where he welcomed hundreds of defectors from various opposition parties, including the APC, Young Progressives Party (YPP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), into the PDP fold, Governor Emo cautioned against importing negative influences, particularly in the form of disrespectful behavior towards political leaders.
Addressing a diverse audience comprising leaders, elders, youths, and stakeholders from opposition parties in the state capital, Uyo, Governor Emo emphasized the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship between the state and the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
He pledged his commitment to aligning with the policies and initiatives of the central government, highlighting the significance of cooperation between the state and the federal authorities.
Governor Emo stressed that any discord between the state and the center could strain resources and hinder the state’s development trajectory.
Governor Emo underscored the potential detrimental effects of engaging in adversarial relations with the Federal Government, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the collective interests of the state and its people over political rivalry.
In his words: “I cannot fight Tinubu; we cannot fight the centre. We have only one president in Nigeria, and we must not attack or insult him. We will not use Akwa Ibom money to fight the centre because if you fight the centre, the centre can no longer hold.
“You can’t fight the person that gives you money and resources and expect him to continue to give you. If we use Akwa Ibom money to create trouble with the centre, and use it to be traveling to Abuja every day, it is the people that will suffer.”
