Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has defended his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing his political move as strategic for the state's development interests.
Speaking in Uyo on Wednesday after returning from the United Nations Ocean Conference in France, Governor Eno used a striking metaphor to dismiss critics of his decision.
"For those who think we don't have a choice, I have exercised my right. It is within our constitutional right to freely associate," he stated. "Let's remain focused because when you are pursuing an elephant, you don't let a dog stop you on the road."
Strategic Positioning for Development
The governor emphasized that his decision to join the APC was aimed at strategically positioning Akwa Ibom State for greater development opportunities. He particularly dismissed criticisms from those he described as non-indigenes who, according to him, were interfering in state matters.
"This is Akwa Ibom's matter. I am the one in the driver's seat today. I know the road without traffic jams, without potholes. That's why I've chosen to take Akwa Ibom on an expressway of development," Eno declared.
The governor further vowed to continue guiding the state toward peace, unity, and progress, guided by his faith and sense of divine purpose.
APC's Support for the Governor
Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, the state chairman of the APC, praised Governor Eno's leadership and urged citizens to look beyond criticisms and support the governor's efforts to attract more federal benefits to Akwa Ibom.
"Governor Eno is the right leader for this time. Rather than engage in vain criticisms, let's support him to bring more dividends of democracy from the federal level to our people," Ntukekpo said.
The defection comes amid political realignments in Nigeria, with several governors and political leaders changing party affiliations ahead of future electoral contests.
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