- Says, Lawmakers have independent mandates
By Abiola Olawale
A former Minister of Lands and Housing, Hon Nduese Essien, has leveled serious allegations against Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, accusing him of allegedly pressuring state and federal lawmakers, as well as local government chairpersons, to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Essien made this known in a statement reacting to the defection of Eno from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
The former Minister, who was present at the defection event, said his presence was simply an act of solidarity as an indigene of Akwa Ibom State and not a declaration of support for the APC.
“I have not defected from any party to another,” he stated, reiterating his status as a neutral elder statesman since his retirement from active politics in 2014.
“These elected officers have independent mandates and should be free to make their own political decisions,” he asserted.
He also expressed dismay over a lack of reciprocal support from the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, noting that federal appointments and empowerment schemes under the APC have excluded PDP members and politically neutral stakeholders.
Essien urged political leaders to respect differing views and prioritize peace, stability, and development in Akwa Ibom.
“As an elder statesman, my priority remains the unity, peace, and progress of Akwa Ibom State,” he concluded, calling for mutual respect in the management of political differences.
