Former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, has broken his silence following the recent defection of his successor, Governor Umo Eno, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Eno, who was widely believed to have been handpicked and backed by Emmanuel in the lead-up to the 2023 gubernatorial elections, stunned political observers on Friday when he formally joined the ruling APC during an event in Uyo. The move has since generated speculation regarding the stance of his predecessor and political benefactor.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Media Assistant, Barrister Stephen Abia, Mr. Emmanuel clarified that he has made a conscious decision not to comment on the political shift, stating that he intends to maintain his commitment to non-interference in the affairs of the current administration.
Titled “Why Udom Emmanuel Will Not React to the Political Development”, the statement categorically dismissed reports circulating on some online platforms suggesting that the former governor had made public remarks regarding Eno’s defection.
According to the statement, “The immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel, CON, has neither issued a statement nor granted an interview in response to political developments in his home State. This is in line with his decision to allow the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, of the State a free hand to run the State without interference.”
Barr. Abia further noted that Emmanuel had fully returned to private life since handing over power in 2023 and has deliberately refrained from political commentary as part of his post-office principle.
“As you have observed, he is keeping to his promise of returning to his private practice, and allowing the Governor to take full charge of moving the State forward,” the aide stated.
The release also challenged any media platform or individual claiming Emmanuel had commented on the matter to provide verifiable evidence.
“The general public is hereby urged to discountenance a news report, emanating from an obscure online news platform, purporting a reaction from him,” the statement read. “Anyone who claims the immediate past Governor has granted a recent interview should publish a video or audio clip of the said conversation.”
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.
