ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has issued a clear directive to all commissioners and political appointees in his administration, saying that they must either defect with him to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or step down from their positions.
The directive was reportedly delivered during an ongoing State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting, where governor Eno formally confirmed his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC.
According to Vanguard, sources who attended the meeting disclosed that the governor was unapologetic and forthright in communicating his political move.
He emphasized that his decision should not come as a surprise to anyone in his cabinet.
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“Anybody who claims he is not aware of my intention to leave the PDP is still living in the 18th century,” governor Eno stated.
He further explained that his admiration for President Bola Tinubu’s leadership style motivated his alignment with the ruling party, noting his desire to work more closely with the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Issuing a stern warning to those who might resist the move, Governor Eno said he had “nothing to negotiate” with any appointee unwilling to follow him politically.
“Apart from elected officials like House of Assembly members and Local Government Chairmen, I have nothing to negotiate with you,” he declared.
He went further to warn those planning to use the PDP against him following his defection.
“Let me tell you, anybody who believes that when I leave the PDP he will use the party structure to fight me is lying, because I will still control the PDP structure,” the governor asserted.
As of the time of filing this report, the State Executive Council meeting was still in session, with further developments expected in the coming hours.