Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has defended his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), comparing his political move to a man pursuing an elephant — undeterred by the barking of dogs along the way.
Speaking in Uyo on Wednesday after returning from the United Nations Ocean Conference in France, Governor Eno stated that his decision to join the APC was made in the best interest of Akwa Ibom people. He explained that the move was aimed at strategically positioning the state for accelerated development.
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The governor dismissed criticisms surrounding his defection, especially from what he referred to as non-indigenes, accusing them of meddling in affairs that, in his words, do not concern them.
“For those who think we don’t have a choice, I have exercised my right. It is within our constitutional right to freely associate,” he said.
“Let’s remain focused because when you are pursuing an elephant, you don’t let a dog stop you on the road.”
Reaffirming his authority and responsibility as the sitting governor, Eno said:
“This is Akwa Ibom’s matter. I am the one in the driver’s seat today. I know the road without traffic jams, without potholes. That’s why I’ve chosen to take Akwa Ibom on an expressway of development.”
Governor Eno reaffirmed his commitment to steering Akwa Ibom along a path of peace, unity, and progress, emphasizing that his leadership is rooted in faith and guided by a strong sense of divine calling.
Also speaking, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, commended the governor’s leadership and called on citizens to rise above political criticisms. He urged the people of Akwa Ibom to support Governor Eno’s efforts to attract greater federal presence and developmental benefits to the state.
“Governor Eno is the right leader for this time. Rather than engage in vain criticisms, let’s support him to bring more dividends of democracy from the federal level to our people,” Ntukekpo said.
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