•Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno
Two Akwa Ibom State commissioners said to have resigned following Friday’s defection of Governor Umo Eno, the majority members of his cabinet, federal and state lawmakers and local government chairmen to the All Progressives Congress (APC), yesterday denied quitting their job.
Prof. Eno Ibanga (Works and Fire Service) and Emem Bob (Finance) said they were fully with the governor in dumping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC.
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who was one of the APC governors that received Eno into the party, said yesterday that the Akwa Ibom governor’s move would strengthen the APC in the South-South.
Ibanga, in a statement by his information officer, Evelyn Ibanga, said he was fully committed to the administration of Governor Eno.
The commissioner called his purported resignation “completely false and a product of mischief-makers attempting to stir political confusion and undermine the unity and focus of the present administration.”
He said: “It is a figment of the imagination of its orchestrators, who are clearly unsettled by the commissioner’s unwavering performance and loyalty.
“Let it be stated for the records that Professor Eno Ibanga’s loyalty to Governor Umo Eno and the administration remains sacrosanct, resolute, and unquestionable.
“He continues to work tirelessly in support of the governor’s vision for infrastructural development and good governance in Akwa Ibom State.”
Eno’s defection will strengthen APC in South-South, says Governor Okpebholo
Governor Okpebholo hailed Eno for his “bold and courageous decision to align with the progressive ideals and national vision of the APC.”
The Edo State governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary Fred Itua, said the defection demonstrated commitment to the advancement and development of Akwa Ibom State as well as ensuring seamless integration into the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
Okpeholo assured Eno of his unwavering support and cooperation, saying he looked forward to working closely with the Akwa Ibom governor to promote good governance, economic prosperity, and the overall well-being of the Nigerian people.
“The decision by Governor Umo Eno to join the APC shows his foresight and dedication to the welfare of his people,” he said.
“It signifies a strategic alignment that will undoubtedly unlock greater opportunities, foster stronger collaborations and accelerate the delivery of democratic dividends to the good people of Akwa Ibom State.”
Eno is the second PDP governor in less than three months to defect to the APC with his cabinet, federal and state lawmakers as well as all LG chairmen.
The first was Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who made his switch in April.
