Akwa Ibom: Ex-lawmaker cautions against overheating polity...says political tactics won't affect Gov. Eno's 2027 reelection

 

Itoro Bassey 

A former two-term member of the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Usoro Akpanusoh, has called on politicians and political commentators in the state to pipe down on political issues that tend to heat up the polity and divide citizens but rather, concentrate more on issues of good governance.

Akpanusoh, who spoke over the weekend in response to recent political developments, expressed deep concern over the dissolution of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) State Executive Committee, which he said has caused unnecessary tension among political actors in the state.

He called on politicians to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could lead to insecurity, emphasising the importance of maintaining peace and stability in Akwa Ibom. 

"We must ensure that the state continues on its current path of peace and stability. Any attempt to undermine the efforts of the current administration in promoting peace and unity will be completely rejected. 

“We must come together to support and show loyalty to the current administration in all areas, rather than treating loyalty as something that can be bought or sold”, he stated.

Akpanuso firmly rejected any attempts to undermine the current administration’s efforts to promote unity, urging all political actors to show unwavering loyalty to Governor Umo Eno. 

“Some of our high profile politicians in the state still view Pastor Umoh Eno as a colleague from his time as Commissioner under the previous administration of Udom Emmanuel. 

“It is important to remind them that Pastor Umoh Eno has long since taken on his role as Governor, and he deserves the same unwavering loyalty that Akpabio's allies showed to former Governor Udom Emmanuel when he assumed office. 

“Just as God used Mr Udom Emmanuel to bring Pastor Umoh Eno into office and used Senator Godswill Akpabio to elevate Udom Emmanuel to power, we must respect the divine process that has brought us to this point”.

The former lawmaker declared the dissolution of the PDP Executive Committee in Akwa Ibom State by the national leadership as "completely rejected" and expressed support for the committee led by Rt. Hon. Aniekan Akpan. 

He warned against any efforts to disrupt the peace and unity of Akwa Ibom State, stating, "Such distractions will not prevent the Governor and government officials from fulfilling their responsibilities."

On the PDP caretaker committee in the state, Akpanusoh urged the chairman, Barrister Iqwat Umoren, to align with the legitimate Executive Committee and not allow himself to be used as an instrument of division.

He dismissed claims made by Debo Ologunagba, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, regarding alliances with the Governor as unfounded and urged him to refrain from interfering in the state's internal affairs.

Speaking on further developments, Dr. Akpanusoh asserted the political maneuvers in the state would not hinder Governor Eno's chances for a second term in 2027, but would instead escalate tensions and cause distraction from the administration's development agenda. 

He encouraged the Governor to remain focused and continue to uphold and defend democracy for the people of a united Akwa Ibom State, quoting the biblical phrase, “The Egyptians you see today, you will never see again,” as a reminder to uphold democracy and unity in Akwa Ibom.

In his message to local government chairpersons and lawmakers, Akpanusoh reminded them of the support they received from the Governor to secure their positions and warned that any pretense of loyalty would not be tolerated. 

“Loyalty should not be divided between the Governor and your so-called political godfathers. They should stop supporting people who attack or undermine the Governor using their positions. Akwa Ibom remains one of the few states where allocations to local government councils have not been tampered with, unlike in previous administrations.

“I will also not neglect my duty to remind my colleagues in the House of Assembly that their loyalty to the Governor must be 100%, not just when they are seeking a second term. It is unfortunate that the APC ticket is not the same as the PDP ticket. I want to inform them that APC members will also have the opportunity to represent the party in 2027.

“It is not possible for every current member of the House of Assembly, House of Representatives, and the Senate to secure a return ticket. Some have exceeded the expectations of their constituents, while others have not. Not everyone should expect to return in 2027. I am aware of those who will not return, although I cannot disclose who they are.

“I know some people may say that I am speaking out because I want favours from the government. That assumption does not bother me. Just as in a quarrel between a man and a woman, where the man might call the woman a prostitute to make a point, I understand that people may make unfounded claims. 

“The truth is, I can survive without government appointments. I have been doing well since I left office and have not relied on government support. While you hold political office today, always remember that tomorrow could be your last day in that position. Power is transient, and loyalty to both leadership and the state must remain constant“, he added.