The two-term former member of Eket Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chief Nduese Essien has cleared the air, ‘‘Let me state without ambiguity: I have not defected from any party to another.’’
Chief Nduese who is a staunch member of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Political Leader of Eket Senatorial District reacted to his presence at the Government Banquet Hall, Uyo last Friday during the defection of Governor Umo Eno from PDP to All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a press release in Eket on Monday, June 9 sent to Straightnews, the former Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development stated ‘‘Let me state without ambiguity: I have not defected from any party to another. My attendance at the event was not a declaration of political affiliation but a demonstration of support for the governor, who has shown a rare level of maturity and inclusiveness in governance.
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‘‘Since my decision not to contest for any elective office at the age of 70 in 2014, I have chosen to function purely as an elder statesman—offering advice, promoting peace, and standing for what is just and equitable in our state and country,’’ he stated.
According to him, ‘‘Let me also make it abundantly clear that Governor Umo Eno’s defection is his personal political decision, backed by his constitutional right and informed by what he must have considered the long-term interests of Akwa Ibom State. It is not my place to question his right to reposition himself politically. The most cogent reason for his defection is the lingering uncertainty over the future of the PDP in a self-inflicted debacle through years of impunity and lack of internal democracy in the party.
‘‘Seeing the unending nature of the controversy, Governor has taken the right decision to secure his next election in a party platform that is relatively stable, for now, at the National level. Joining the APC naturally takes him to work with the Government at the centre with envisaged ancillary benefits. It is my wish that his hopes be fulfilled in this regards.
‘‘However, the decision of the Governor to coerce Members of the State, National Assembly and Chairmen of Local Governments calls into question the sincerity of the governor’s commitment to inclusiveness and political tolerance. These elected officers are operating on a separate and independent mandate and should be free to take their decision.’’
The former Chairman, South-South Parliamentary Caucus of the National Assembly observed ‘‘Let me also highlight that even before his defection, Pastor Umo Eno had shown an admirable level of maturity in navigating party lines. He supported the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC for a second term, despite being a PDP governor. These actions, while controversial to some, were calculated to ensure peace, stability, and strategic alignment for the benefit of Akwa Ibom State.’’
Chef Nduese lamented ‘‘Sadly, such magnanimity has not been reciprocated by the Senate President or his political machinery. Appointments, empowerment programmes, and political opportunities have remained exclusive to APC loyalists, leaving out PDP members and even those who have chosen neutrality for the sake of peace. This lack of inclusion has continued despite the governor’s overt gestures of goodwill and cooperation.
‘‘In contrast, Governor Umo Eno has empowered citizens across party lines, ensured that appointments reflect the state’s diversity, and resisted the temptation to weaponise government against perceived opponents. That is commendable. But the current moves to exclude or sideline those who refuse to defect with him could erode that legacy of fairness and compromise.
The support for Senator Akpabio, in his position as Senate President and no 3 man, is most commendable. It is not often that this position comes to any state for a long while. It has taken 40 years for it to come back to the South South. Teaming up with the Senate President in his party will generate respect and strengthen his position in the APC and in Government.’’
‘‘Let me conclude by appealing to all political actors, supporters, and the public to lower the temperature. Let us not destroy our state’s hard-earned peace through needless provocations. Those in government should respect one another’s convictions and rights, just as we expect the wider political system to respect the governor’s choices.
As an elder statesman, my priority remains the unity, peace, and development of Akwa Ibom State. I will continue to lend my voice and wisdom to ensure that political differences do not tear us apart but are managed with dignity, maturity, and mutual respect,’’ he added.
National Assemblymen Defect
Meanwhile, some of the Akwa Ibom lawmakers confirmed their intention to switch allegiance but declined to speak publicly, citing procedural formalities still required under legislative rules.
APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, confirmed the development in an interview with The PUNCH, naming those involved.
Among the defecting lawmakers are Senators Ekong Sampson (Akwa Ibom South) and Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North-East).
Among the House of Representatives members are Okpolupm Etteh, Paul Asuquo, Alphonsus Uduak, Ime Bassey, Martins Esin, Unyime Idem, and Mark Esset. Emmanuel Ukpongudo, elected on the YPP platform, is also said to be part of the defection.
This political realignment follows Governor Umo Eno’s defection to the APC last Friday. Explaining his move, he said it was driven by the need to align Akwa Ibom, a resource-rich state, with the federal government.
Eno’s defection followed that of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who switched to party in April, bringing the entire Delta PDP structure into the APC.
Eno, however, was only able to convince National Assembly members and a handful of aides to join him. One of his commissioners resigned, refusing to defect.
The Speaker of Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong who had earlier defected announced defection of the remaining 25 members in House of Assembly.
Similarly, Chairmen of the 31 local government areas in the state equally defected.
Former Akwa Ibom Governor Udom Emmanuel, Eno’s political mentor, shunned the defection event and reiterated his loyalty to the PDP.
Later same day, Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio received Governor Eno in his country home in Uyo and formally welcomed him to the party.
