Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has issued a clear directive to commissioners and political appointees in his administration: prepare to join him in the All Progressives Congress or resign.
The statement was made during a State Executive Council meeting held in Uyo.
Governor Eno made it clear that while no one is obligated to follow him to the APC, those who choose not to align politically with him cannot continue to hold positions in his cabinet.
He said: “It’s no more news that I’m moving party, if you don’t know that by now, I don’t know what else you know.
“So, we want our commissioners and members of excos, appointees; I am told that some of you are saying that you will not come, you are free, absolutely free not to join me. But you won’t be in my state executive council.”
He emphasized that loyalty to the administration is non-negotiable for those serving under his leadership, describing the requirement as a matter of principle rather than a threat.
“So, you better just be prepared to resign the day I announce that I’m moving because you are an appointee and your loyalty is to me. You can’t be in my cabinet and play anti party. It’s not a threat, it is what it is. I won’t beg you to come, you should normally not even expect it.”
The governor’s remarks come weeks after he likened the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to a “faulty aircraft,” fuelling speculation about his planned defection. While reaffirming his appreciation for the PDP, Eno cited internal disunity at the national level as a major reason for reconsidering his political alignment.
“I love the PDP, I want to stay in the PDP, but clearly, I don’t have a road map to guarantee that I’ll be able to have a smooth sail in the elections, not because we won’t win elections.
“In this state today, with the work that all of us have done, even if we contest on a zero party, we will win this election. There’s no doubt about it. We’ve worked very hard, but we know that at the national level that our party is not coming together.”
Governor Eno’s comments have now confirmed earlier rumours surrounding his anticipated defection, potentially reshaping Akwa Ibom’s political landscape ahead of the next election cycle.
