Go with Me to APC or Resign from My Team, Umo Eno Threaten Appointees as He Defects
Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced his intention to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor has directed all commissioners and political appointees to either defect to the APC with him or resign from their positions.
This directive has left many in the state’s political circle scrambling to make a decision.
Governor Eno made his decision known during a State Executive Council meeting in Uyo, where he expressed his admiration for President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s leadership style.
He stated that he would not negotiate with any appointee, except for elected officials like House of Assembly members and local government chairmen.
The governor claimed that he would still control the PDP structure in Akwa Ibom state, even after defecting to the APC.
He warned those who think they can use the party to fight him that they are mistaken.
“I love the PDP, I want to stay in the PDP, but clearly, I don’t have a roadmap to guarantee that I’ll be able to have a smooth sail in the elections.
“We’ve worked very hard, but we know that at the national level, our party is not coming together every day. I’m not going to be stupid to stay doing that,” Governor Eno said.
The governor’s defection is expected to have a significant impact on the state’s House of Assembly, with no fewer than 23 lawmakers reportedly set to jump ship to the APC.
This move is likely to give the APC a majority in the House, paving the way for the party to dominate the state’s politics.
Governor Eno emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the state, stating that it is the foundation for development.
He urged his commissioners and appointees to join him in the APC, warning those who refuse to do so that they will not be part of his state executive council.
“You’re free, absolutely free. You’re free not to join me, but you won’t be in my state executive council.
“So, you better just be prepared to resign the day I announce that I’m moving because you are an appointee and your loyalty is to me. You can’t be in my cabinet and play anti party, it’s not a threat, it is what it is. I won’t beg you to come, you should normally not even expect it,” he told the appointees.
