Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has defended his decision to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), likening his political move to a man chasing an elephant who refuses to be distracted by barking dogs.
Speaking in Uyo on Wednesday upon his return from the United Nations Ocean Conference in France, Governor Eno said the decision was made in the best interest of Akwa Ibom State, to strategically position it for accelerated development.
He brushed off criticism of the defection, particularly from individuals he described as non-indigenes who, in his view, are meddling in issues that do not concern them.
“For those who think we don’t have a choice, I have exercised mine. It is our constitutional right to freely associate,” Eno said.
“Let’s remain focused. When you’re chasing an elephant, you don’t stop for barking dogs.”
Reaffirming his leadership role, the governor said: “This is Akwa Ibom’s matter. I’m in the driver’s seat. I know the route without potholes or traffic. That’s why I’ve chosen the expressway of development for our state.”
He pledged to continue steering Akwa Ibom toward unity, peace, and progress, guided by his faith and sense of divine calling.
Also speaking, the state APC chairman, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, lauded Governor Eno’s bold decision, urging residents to look past political distractions and support efforts to attract greater federal benefits.
“Governor Eno is the right leader for this moment. Rather than engage in empty criticism, let’s support him in bringing more dividends of democracy to our people,” Ntukekpo said.
