Governor Eno Takes the Plunge, Defects to APC
In an expected move, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The governor’s defection, which was announced on Friday at an event held at the Government House in Uyo.
Eno was joined in his defection by his deputy, Akon Eyakenyi, as well as members of the state executive council, federal and state lawmakers, and local council chairpersons.
The move is seen as a major boost to the APC in the state, and has been hailed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio as a demonstration of the governor’s commitment to the welfare of the people.
In a Facebook post, Akpabio congratulated Eno on his decision, saying, “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, after the historic defection of my brother, Governor Eno.”
Akpabio also praised Eno for having the interest of the people at heart, saying, “Thank you, Mr Governor, for having the interest of our people at heart. Congratulations, and welcome to the fold.”
However, not all members of Eno’s team were willing to follow him to the APC. The Commissioner for Information and Special Duties, Ini Ememobong, tendered his resignation letter to the governor earlier on Friday, citing his unwillingness to join the APC.
In a statement on his Facebook account, Ememobong said, “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 explained that his decision was based on his belief in politics with principles and his long-standing opposition to the APC.
“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 and his team is expected to have significant implications for the political landscape of Akwa Ibom State, and may set the stage for a intense battle between the APC and the PDP in the upcoming elections.
