The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has defended his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), comparing his political decision to a man chasing an elephant who refuses to be distracted by the barking of dogs along the path.
He stated this in Uyo on Wednesday after returning from France, where he attended the United Nations Ocean Conference.
The governor stated that his decision to join the APC was driven by the best interests of the Akwa Ibom people and aimed at strategically positioning the state for greater development.
He dismissed criticism of his defection, particularly from those he described as non-indigenes who, according to him, interfere in matters that do not concern them.
“For those who think we don’t have a choice, I have exercised my right. It is within our constitutional right to freely associate,” he said.
“Let’s remain focused because when you are pursuing an elephant, you don’t let a dog stop you on the road.”
Reaffirming his authority and responsibility as the sitting governor, Eno said: “This is Akwa Ibom’s matter. I am the one in the driver’s seat today. I know the road without traffic jams, without potholes. That’s why I’ve chosen to take Akwa Ibom on an expressway of development.”
He vowed to keep guiding the state toward peace, unity, and progress, guided by his faith and a sense of divine purpose.
Also speaking, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, the state chairman of the APC, praised Eno’s leadership, urging citizens to look beyond criticisms and support the governor’s efforts to attract more federal benefits to Akwa Ibom.
“Governor Eno is the right leader for this time. Rather than engage in vain criticisms, let’s support him to bring more dividends of democracy from the federal level to our people,” Ntukekpo said
Defection: I’m chasing elephant, no barking dog will distract me – Governor Eno
