Akwa Ibom: ‘I will always be your student,’ Gov Eno speaks on alleged rifts with his predecessor

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has described his loyalty to his immediate predecessor, Deacon Udom Emmanuel as unquestionably strong, calling the former governor his godfather.

Governor Eno’s statement may not be unconnected to certain unfolding events in the neighouring Rivers State where the bitter imbroglio and feud between Governor Sim Fubara, and his godfather, Nyesom Wike, has engendered political tension and social upheaval in the state.

The Akwa Ibom governor was speaking at a church session during a special Christmas Day ceremony held at the United Evangelical Church (UEC), at the former Governor Udom Emmanuel’s hometown, Awa Iman in Onna Local Government Area of the state.

Eno refuted an alleged rift with his political mentor, who almost single-handedly made him his successor during the last general elections against all odds.

He said: “My predecessor has never put me under pressure since leaving office in May. On the contrary, we are the ones chasing him to ask him to always come around to advise us.

“I tell people that even when you are not in government, you are still working for this state. In eight years, you (Udom Emmanuel) taught us leadership, and you developed all of us. We have learnt from you, especially the lesson of tolerance.

“You may no longer be governor today, but you will always be my governor and leader. You have a clear understanding of how these things work and I will always be your student.”

Governor Eno further pledged to complete all uncompleted projects by Emmanuel’s administration beginning with the multimillion-naira International Christian Worship Centre (ICWC), declaring that the mega church was on the verge of completion.

“It will be used for the New Year’s State Interdenominational Service on January 2nd, 2024,” he promised.

Emmanuel, who was accompanied to the church by his wife, Dr Martha, and other family members, expressed satisfaction over the cordiality between him and the state governor, saying he has avoided any action that could lead to friction with his successor.

He said: “Don’t mind what people may say. We are relating very well. Sometimes, if there is a state function and I attend, they will say ‘he is coming too much’; if I don’t attend, they will say ‘they are quarreling, that is why he has refused to come’, but they forget that Udom Emmanuel and the governor are inseparable.