•Governor Umo Eno
For anyone who entertained the thoughts that the APC would have an uphill task winning the hearts of Akwa Ibom people, such thoughts perished last weekend.
In a grassroot show of overwhelming strength, the APC in a statewide, scorched earth strategy tagged HOMECOMING RALLY, held simultaneously in all the headquarters of 31 LGAs, practically took over all existing political structures of the PDP, which had dominated Akwa Ibom politics emphatically for 26 years since the return to democracy in 1999.
Akwa Ibom people from all 369 electoral wards enthusiastically turned up en masse and stood up with one voice to domesticate and domicile the APC at their doorsteps.
It was the clearest public divorce so far from the PDP, ostensibly provoked by the intractable crisis in the PDP and aggravated lately by the chaotic public fight of its leaders in Abuja beamed live on major TV channels into homes nationwide.
The reception given to the APC shocked even the most optimistic APC stalwart who had expected modest attendance in the statewide rallies.
“The crowd you see here today is purely organic. It has completely surpassed all our expectations… Mkpö ama change (Everything has changed). Politics in this state will not be the same again, in the foreseeable future”, Hon. Otobong Bob, House Leader in the State House of Assembly said, as the crowd roared outside the choked up venue of Nsit Ubium LGA rally.
The key factor for the massive support the APC now enjoys in Akwa Ibom, many believe, is the person of Governor Umo Eno, who the vast majority of political leadership and followership perceive as a hardworking, result-oriented and performing governor.
“Apart from his excellent performance which has been acknowledged nationally, his courage and foresight to quit the PDP in time, has vindicated him as a true leader who knows the way and shows the way”, Isantim Kenneth Okon, the political leader of Etinan LGA said at the Etinan LGA rally.
It was the unanimous opinion shared by stalwarts across the political spectrum in Akwa Ibom, especially against the backdrop of apparent disarray, uncertainties and the glaring absence of direction in other political platforms.
“To be honest, our governor has shown so much leadership and organisational skills that it is difficult so far to fault him and his foresight”, Nseabasi Udoeyo, a former PDP but now an APC stalwart in Nsit Atai said.
“He is a ‘capacity’ leader. To many of us, he is a case study in transformational leadership. His depth and insight on various issues makes it simply compelling to trust his decisions and follow him effortlessly…”, Professor Udeme Udofia, a stakeholder in Nsit Ibom LGA said.
For Idorenyin James Umoh, a former PDP governorship aspirants and stake in Ibiono LGA: “The Governor connects so naturally with people such that even though his new party is viewed with suspicion by some, the same people are prepared to stake their political future queuing behind him”.
But in Essien Udim LGA, the zeal of APC members was summed up by Dr. Wisdom Enang. According to the American-trained engineer, the Homecoming weekend transcended politics.
“This unusual event ordered by the governor has deepened unity and grassroots inclusivity in governance. It has inspired the renewal of community spirit, civic consolidation and democratic reconnection with stakeholders and real constituents”.
In Nsit Ubium, the home LGA of the governor, the event acquired the character of a carnival and extended beyond Ikot Edibon, the headquarters of the LGA, to Ikot Ekpene Udo, the hometown of Governor Eno.
Addressing the mammoth crowd, Governor Eno was however focused on the big picture. He repeated his commitment to the realisation of the Ibom Deep Sea Port, and other flagship economic projects that will reposition Akwa Ibom State not just as the investment hub in Nigeria but destination of choice internationally.
“We will very soon commence the Ibom Deep Sea Port. This is a complex, multi-layered undertaking. Documentation, due diligence, the search for credible and world class investors are ongoing. The federal government is fully aligned with us…and this project will become a transformative reality for our collective prosperity”, Governor Eno said.
He announced a series of empowerment programmes and strategic road interventions, including the construction of dual carriageways linking Nung Udoe to East-West Road, Nung Udoe to Afaha Nsit, and Afaha Offiong to Itreto.
In Oron, Mbo, Orue-offong Oruko, Okobo and Udunguko LGAs, the well attended rallies, saw virtually all the movers and shakers of politics in this axis of Akwa Ibom, led by the deputy governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi.
“I am amazed by the rapid expansion and accelerated acceptance of the APC as clearly demonstrated by this overwhelming crowd. This enthusiastic turnout shows that we are poised to play a leading role in strengthening the APC in Akwa Ibom and Nigeria”.
Speaking also at the event, the member representing Oron Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Rep. Martins Esin, praised Governor Eno for his bottom-up approach to governance, which he described as “people-centered and impactful’.
In Oruk Anam LGA, Goodnews Etiutom Ediene, an activist, who spoke on behalf of youths at the rally went a step further to demand for regular Homecoming rallies in the State.
“I appeal to our leaders to consider these Home Coming weekends at least a quarterly, if not a monthly event in order to bring us closer to our people and help us appraise their needs and expectations from the government”, Ediene said.
The Etinan LGA massive rally went beyond speeches and registration of voters into a fundraising event, kicked off by Rep. Paul Ekpo, Member representing Etinan Federal Constituency in the National Assembly. Thereafter, it was Naira rain from a famous LGA, whose headquarters is nicknamed as ‘Naira Town’.
“We are complete in this hall today. As it used to be with other governors from other federal constituencies, so shall it be with our Governor Umo Eno. No shaking”, Rep. Ekpo said as he announced a donation of N3 million.
Inside the jampacked Millennium Hall of Etinan Council, which overflowed to dozens of tents outside, the people of Etinan LGA spoke in clear terms about their governor, APC and the coming elections.
“We will give APC and Pastor Umo Eno all our support to complete the excellent job he is doing in 2031…We are very proud of him, not just because he is from Etinan Federal Constituency but more so because he is a very innovative, bold and courageous leader”, Hon. Uko Umo, the Etinan Council Chairman said.
Across the length and breadth of the State, from Ikot Abasi to Ikot Ekpene, and from Ibeno to Ini LGAs, needless to mention Uyo, Ikono, Itu, Uruan, Ibesikpo Asutan and Ikono, the story was the same.
Ironically, when the news of Governor Eno’s departure to the APC was first broken, it was heartbreaking for many. Six months or so down the road, it is heart warming. Without a scintilla of controversy, Governor Eno has been vindicated.
Last weekend homecoming of the APC practically ushered the party into a million homes and hearts.
It was proof-positive that the political tide has turned in favour of the APC and there may be little anybody can do, for now, to reverse it.
