UPDATED. OPINION: A Betrayal of Trust: Governor Eno’s Ill-Advised Defection

As news broke of Governor Umo Eno’s defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), many Nigerians, especially those in Akwa Ibom State, were left stunned and disappointed. The governor’s decision, reportedly influenced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, raises fundamental questions about political loyalty, integrity, and the will of the people.

Governor Eno was elected on the platform of the PDP, and his mandate was secured through the votes of the people who believed in the party’s ideology and promises. By defecting to the APC, he has essentially reneged on the trust placed in him. This move is not just a personal decision; it has far-reaching implications for the governance and political landscape of Akwa Ibom State.

The timing of this defection is particularly concerning. With the governor’s decision seemingly driven by political opportunism rather than principle, it undermines the democratic process and the trust that voters have in their elected officials. The people of Akwa Ibom State deserve better than to have their governor switch parties for perceived personal or political gains.
Moreover, a recent town hall meeting with the people of Ikot Abasi Local Government Area( my home town), one of the governor’s constituents, starkly highlighted the disconnect between his decision and the will of the people. The residents of Ikot Abasi vehemently kicked against the governor’s decision to switch camps, clearly indicating that his actions do not reflect the collective interest of the people he serves. This reaction underscores the fact that the governor’s defection was not made with the welfare and aspirations of his constituents in mind, but rather seems to serve personal or other interests.

The aftermath of this defection has already seen significant fallout, with three commissioners resigning from their positions. This level of instability can only harm the state’s progress and development. It is crucial for the governor and those around him to consider the long-term implications of their actions on the state and its people.

Governor Eno’s defection to the APC is a betrayal of the trust placed in him by the people of Akwa Ibom State. It is a decision that will likely have lasting effects on the state’s political landscape and governance. As such, it is imperative for the citizens and stakeholders to hold their leaders accountable and ensure that the interests of the state and its people are prioritized above political opportunism.

#Ubong Akra, a journalist and Public Relations expert writes from Calabar

#talk2akra@gmail.com#