Tension has risen in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, after the withdrawal of security details attached to former Governor Udom Emmanuel over the weekend. According to sources, all policemen assigned to the ex-governor’s two residences in the state have been recalled. This development has sparked mixed reactions among the public, with some attributing the move to the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led state government in an attempt to coerce Emmanuel to join the party.
Emmanuel, who is the political godfather of incumbent Governor Umo Eno, has remained loyal to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) despite Eno’s defection to the APC. The former governor’s decision to stay with the PDP and work towards rebuilding the party ahead of the 2027 elections is seen as a threat to the APC state government. As a result, it is believed that the withdrawal of his security details is an attempt to weaken his influence.
The Akwa Ibom State government has denied involvement in the incident, with Commissioner for Information Aniekan Umana stating that the deployment of police officers is the sole prerogative of the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, not the governor. Umana added that all former governors of the state are entitled to their security details as approved by law and that there has been no complaint or report from any former governor about the withdrawal of security personnel.
However, Barrister Steve Abia, Special Assistant to former Governor Emmanuel, confirmed the withdrawal of the security details but could not disclose who ordered the withdrawal. A pro-PDP group, PDP Advocates for Peace and Justice, has described the incident as politically motivated, aimed at subduing the former governor and undermining the PDP in the state.
The withdrawal of Emmanuel’s security details has significant implications for the political landscape in Akwa Ibom State, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the APC and PDP. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the former governor and the PDP will respond to these developments. The incident has also raised concerns about the security and well-being of former governors in the state, who are entitled to protection under the law.