A group advocating for peace and justice in Akwa Ibom State has criticized Governor Umo Eno’s claim of controlling all political structures in the state. Governor Eno, who was elected under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform, recently defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The PDP Advocates for Peace and Justice, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Dr. Tom FredFish, expressed concern that Governor Eno is focusing on political grandstanding instead of addressing the socio-economic challenges facing the citizens of Akwa Ibom State. The group noted that the entire APC political structure in the state was handed over to Governor Eno by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, making it unclear what other structure the governor is struggling to control.

The group described Governor Eno’s defection to the APC as a “grave miscalculation” that is “bleak, unsustainable, and rooted in expediency rather than principle.” They believe that the APC is not Governor Eno’s natural political home and that his current struggles are a result of being caught between strange allies who do not share his vision or trust his leadership.

The PDP Advocates for Peace and Justice urged Governor Eno to return to the PDP, stating that governance should be about selfless service, vision, and commitment to the people’s welfare, rather than endless political maneuvering. The group emphasized that Akwa Ibom State deserves a leader who is focused, courageous, and people-centered, rather than one distracted by internal squabbles.

The situation in Akwa Ibom State is being closely watched, as the governor’s defection and subsequent actions have significant implications for the state’s political landscape. The call for Governor Eno to retrace his steps and return to the PDP may indicate a growing divide within the state’s political sphere. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Governor Eno will respond to the criticism and whether he will reconsider his decision to join the APC.