“Your Defection To APC Historic” – Akpabio Tells Gov. Eno As Three Quit State Cabinet

By Adesina Soyooye

Hours after he dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the Party under which umbrella he was elected Governor, for the All Progressives Congress, APC,  Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has visited Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

Eno paid the visit to Akpabio at the Senate President’s private residence, Uyo, capital of the State, accompanied by eight APC Governors, led by their Chairman, Imo State  Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma.

An excited Akpabio who received his, also, excited guests in company of his wife, Uloma, took to his Facebook page to celebrate Governor Eno’s defection to the APC.

He wrote: “It is with utmost joy that I received our Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, his Deputy, Akon Eyekenyi, All Progressives Congress Governors led by the Chairman of the Forum, Hope Uzodinma and other stakeholders of our party to my residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, after the historic defection of my brother, Governor Eno, members of the State Executive Council,  Federal and State Lawmakers, as well as Council Chairmen into the Progressives’ Family.

“Thank you Mr Governor for having the interest of our people at heart.

“Congratulations and welcome to the fold.”

However, hours after Eno’s defection, and given his earlier ultimatum to his Cabinet members who wouldn’t follow him to APC to quit, three of them, including his  Commissioners for Finance and that of Information, Special Duties and Ibom Deep Sea Port, resigned indicating there was no unanimous agreement to move into the APC. There are also strong speculations that quite a number of House of Assembly Members are not singing same song as Eno. They are said to be loyal to the immediate past Governor of the State, Udom Emmanuel who was instrumental to Eno’s emergence as Governor and who now feels betrayed by him.

In his letter of resignation, one of the  Commissioners, Ini Ememobong wrote:

“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.

“While I cannot question or fault the Governor’s personal decision, I am unable to join in that sojourn. 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. This decision does not affect my personal relationship with the Governor, who calls me his brother and reposed great confidence in me by saddling me with two very important ministries(Information and Special Duties & Ibom Deep Sea Port).

“I have and will continue to have tremendous respect for HE Governor Umo Eno, even out of EXCO.

“About my history in political and public service, I look back with great satisfaction at the work I have done and leave the ultimate judgement to history and posterity. Given another opportunity, I will do more.

“Let me convey the very sincere appreciation of my family to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno for appointing me into his cabinet. Our very special appreciation goes to Mr. Udom Emmanuel, the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State for his enduring love and belief in me, especially for appointing me into the Executive Council during his administration.

“I understand this decision may not please everyone, and to those who are disappointed, I humbly seek your understanding.

As usual, I do not know the future, but I know HE who holds the future and I trust that at the end, all things work together for good, to those who love the Lord and are the called unto HIS purpose.”

Not a few people have hailed him, since this letter, as a true honourable man.

Eno is the second PDP Governor who has decamped to the APC in less than two months. The first was Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori.

Akpabio, himself, was a two-term Governor of Akwa Ibom under the PDP. He became a Senator later, and was the Senate Minority Leader when he suddenly dumped the Party for the APC. He had a very sour relationship with Emmanuel who he installed as Governor. He must, now, be having a good laugh at Emmanuel for out-witting him with Eno’s defection to the APC, midway into the Governor’s first term in office.