In a recent statement that has stirred significant controversy, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State publicly endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term. This endorsement, captured in a viral video, has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, highlighting the ongoing political tensions in the state.
Critics argue that Eno’s endorsement reflects a troubling trend in Akwa Ibom’s political landscape, which has been marred by what some describe as “destructive political culture” and “cancerous partisanship.” A vocal opponent of the endorsement, Inibehe Effiong, expressed his dismay, stating, “Isn’t it preposterous and sickening, that a so-called opposition governor has desperately endorsed the most terrible, incompetent and dangerous regime in Nigeria’s modern history for re-election?”
Effiong further accused Eno of betraying the interests of the Akwa Ibom people, asserting, “While Nigerians and Akwa Ibomites are currently suffering the harsh effects of President Tinubu’s devastating economic policies, a governor that pretends to be a pastor found it expedient to offer him a re-election endorsement.” He characterised the political alliance between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state as “an unholy marriage” focused solely on power and resource control, rather than improving the lives of citizens.
Critics have also raised concerns about Eno’s integrity, with Effiong remarking, “Umo Eno parades himself as a pastor. But he has no fear of God in him. He speaks nicely, but acts exactly like the typical Nigerian politician.” He suggested that Eno’s previous charitable gestures were merely attempts to mask his failures and incompetence.
The endorsement has sparked a wider debate about the role of political parties in Nigeria, with Effiong contending that the PDP has failed to act as a credible opposition due to its entanglement with the APC. He stated, “The PDP in Nigeria today is in the pocket of the APC,” further criticising the party’s inability to distance itself from corruption.
Effiong concluded his statement by urging the people of Akwa Ibom to disregard Eno’s endorsement, describing it as “self-serving” and not representative of the views of the wider community. “He didn’t speak for me. He spoke for himself. I reject his witchcraft endorsement,” he asserted.
As tensions continue to rise, the political landscape in Akwa Ibom remains fraught with uncertainty as citizens grapple with the implications of Eno’s controversial endorsement of President Tinubu.
