Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has defended his decision to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the move as being in the best interest of the state.
Speaking to a large crowd at the Victor Attah International Airport on Wednesday following his return from France, Eno urged citizens to disregard detractors and what he termed as “destructive critics,” many of whom, he noted, are not from Akwa Ibom.
“I am the one in the driver’s seat. I know the right routes to avoid traffic and potholes. This is about Akwa Ibom’s future,” the governor said. “Those criticising my decision are outsiders interfering in matters that don’t concern them.”
He explained that his defection was not meant to divide the state but to strategically position Akwa Ibom for greater development and closer alignment with President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
“I have exercised my right to free association,” he continued. “When you’re chasing an elephant, you don’t let a barking dog distract you. Let’s stay focused on progress.”
Governor Eno also reaffirmed his commitment to leading the state with unity and peace, guided by what he described as the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
In his remarks, the APC State Chairman, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, dismissed the backlash over the defection as baseless. He described Governor Eno as the right leader for the time and urged the public to rally behind him to ensure more federal benefits reach the state.
Also welcoming the governor, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, said the rousing reception reflected the people’s strong support for a leader who has delivered on his mandate.