By Kolawole Ojebisi
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has stated that his decision to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) has not driven a wedge into the rosy relationship between him and his immediate predecessor in office, Udom Emmanuel.
Eno dismissed report making the rounds that his defection has strained his relationship with Udom, describing it as unfounded and misleading.
This is contained in a statement issued by the the governor’s Special Assitant on New Media, Rev. Richard Peters, on Monday.
According to the statement, Eno spoke at the 55th Anniversary celebration of the Believers Assembly Evangelical Church of Nigeria in Uyo on Sunday.
“For those of you who think that because I’ve changed parties, I now have issues with my political father, you got it wrong,” the governor declared.
“I have no problem with Deacon Udom Emmanuel. He remains my political father. Just last week, I was in his house in Lagos and we had a great time together.”
Eno urged Akwa Ibom people to disregard the false narratives aimed at creating disunity, stressing the importance of peace and unity in the state.
“Our young people must understand that leadership is not easy. Let’s maintain the peace in our state and continue to drive the progress we are witnessing in the state. This is the only state we have, and we must not allow outsiders to destroy it. We must protect it at all costs.”
While celebrating the founder of Believers Assembly Evangelical Church, Prelate Isaiah Isong, on his 55 years of ministerial service, Eno lauded the cleric for his unwavering support and prayers for the state.
“Through the fathers in faith, whom you lead, you have constantly lifted up the government in prayers. I am glad that the government you laboured for in prayer is now in power. God has answered your prayers,” he said, praying for more strength and years for the cleric.
