Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has declared that he will not offer his support for President Bola Tinubu in secrecy or under the cover of darkness.
Speaking on Arise Television on Friday, Governor Eno explained his decision to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), emphasizing his commitment to openly back President Tinubu’s administration.
“I am convinced that President Tinubu is performing admirably. While I appreciate the PDP for providing the platform that enabled me to become governor, the constitution allows for freedom of association and party affiliation,” he stated.
Eno added, “I cannot claim allegiance to one party during the day and then sneak off to Aso Rock at night to pledge loyalty elsewhere. It is important to be transparent about where I stand. When comparing President Tinubu with other leaders, my preference naturally lies with him.”
In a related development, Governor Eno has cautioned the newly appointed chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Sylvester Saviour Udofia, to remain apolitical and avoid engaging in political contestations with his administration.
The charge was given during Udofia’s swearing-in ceremony held at the Chambers of the Akwa Ibom State Council of Traditional Rulers in Uyo, as part of the state’s 38th-anniversary celebrations.
Governor Eno administered the oath of office to Udofia, the Paramount Ruler of Abak Local Government, urging him to foster unity and cooperation.
He said, “I pray and trust that you will continue and even surpass the cooperation we enjoyed from the outgoing chairman. I expect you to work closely with the government. I hope you will not attend a meeting during the day and entertain another at night. I also hope you will not seek control over structures that rightly belong to the governor’s office. It is on this understanding that I swear you in.”
Earlier, HRM Okuibom Ibibio III, Nteyin Solomon Etuk, President-General of the Supreme Council of Akwa Ibom State Traditional Rulers, and HRM Odidem Bassey Etim Edet, the immediate past chairman, commended Governor Eno for his unwavering support to the traditional institutions. They pledged the continued backing of the monarchs for the government’s development agenda in the state.
