The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has extended warm congratulations to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, for his bold decision to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Akpabio, represented by his wife, Mrs. Uloma Akpabio, at the official defection ceremony held in Uyo on Friday, described the move as a significant step that would accelerate development in the state, aligning it with the party at the federal level.
In her address on behalf of the Senate President, Mrs. Akpabio welcomed Governor Eno into the APC fold, describing him as “God’s chosen pastor” and commending him for the courage to make such a politically sensitive decision. She assured the governor that his defection would ease his administrative efforts, unlike the challenges encountered by previous leaders who joined the APC under less favorable conditions.
“During our time, joining the APC felt like cutting through a forest with just a knife. But today, God has opened your eyes to see the light. As a child of God, you mean well for the people, and development can only truly come through the APC,” she said.
Mrs. Akpabio further encouraged Governor Eno to brace up for opposition and criticism, noting that, as a leader who walks by faith, he should remain fearless and confident in God’s protection and guidance. “You will be criticized, maligned, and insulted, but do not fear. The word of God will comfort you. You did not take this step for yourself or your family but for the good of Akwa Ibom State,” she added.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prince Enobong Uwah, also affirmed the commitment of commissioners and special advisers to follow Governor Eno into the APC. Speaking on their behalf, Uwah revealed that the state executive council had already resolved to defect during their last meeting. “Your Excellency, we are your first eleven, and we are moving with you,” he declared.
However, the defection comes amid reports that at least three commissioners may have resigned. Of those, only Ini Ememobong, Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, has officially tendered his resignation. The identities of the other two commissioners remain unconfirmed as of press time.
Similarly, the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, announced that members of the House have resolved to back the governor in his move to the APC, citing his developmental efforts over the past two years as a major influence. “We will continue to support you for the next six years because of your clear commitment to the progress of Akwa Ibom,” Otong stated.
In a show of unity, Senator Ekong Sampson led the Akwa Ibom National Assembly Caucus in affirming their full support for Governor Eno’s transition to the APC. Likewise, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), led by State Chairman Uwemedimo Udo, expressed total solidarity. Udo highlighted Governor Eno’s unique efforts to support local government autonomy and provide infrastructure, such as building lodges for chairmen at no cost.
“This is the only state where the governor is building lodges for chairmen free of charge. In other states, they’re battling local government autonomy, but here, you are supporting it. We are loyal and we are moving with you,” Udo stated.
Prominent figures at the event included current and former National Assembly members such as Senator Effiong Bob, Senator Emmanuel Ibokessien, Senator Aniekan Bassey, Senator Ita Enang, Chief Essien Nduese, Chief Don Etiebet, and the Minister of State for Petroleum, Ekperikpo Ekpo.
The defection of Governor Eno to the APC marks a significant political shift in Akwa Ibom and could
