Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has broken his silence on his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), calling on residents to disregard critics and describing his decision as one taken in the best interest of the state.
Speaking to a crowd at the Victor Attah International Airport upon his return from a trip to France on Wednesday, Governor Eno likened himself to a driver who knows the best route for a smooth journey.
“This is Akwa Ibom State’s matter. I am the one in the driver’s seat today. I am the one holding the steering wheel, and I know where there will be no traffic jam. I know where there will be no potholes. That’s why I have chosen to take Akwa Ibom on an expressway—free of traffic and potholes. I am the driver who can see clearly,” he declared.
The governor also took a swipe at those condemning his political move, stating that many of his critics are not even from the state and have no stake in its affairs.
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“So, to those who are talking—some of them are not even from Akwa Ibom—they put their mouths in what does not concern them. Please, don’t listen to them. This progressive movement is within my right!” he said.
Governor Eno further explained that his defection was not an act of betrayal, but a strategic decision to align the state with national leadership and secure more opportunities for development.
“And for the people who think we don’t have a choice, tell them that I have exercised my right, and that it is within our right to freely associate. Let’s remain focused, because when you are pursuing an elephant, you don’t let a dog stop you on the road,” he said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to unity, peace, and purposeful leadership, adding that his mission was spiritually inspired.
The governor stated: “We will remain focused, peaceful, and united in our support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio.”
Meanwhile, the state’s APC Chairman, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, threw his weight behind the governor, describing the criticism over the defection as baseless.
The post Gov Eno says he dumped PDP for APC to avoid ‘traffic jams and potholes’ for Akwa Ibom appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from Ripples Nigeria.
