Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has justified his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, comparing his political decision to “pursuing an elephant” while ignoring “barking dogs.”
Speaking to journalists in Uyo on Wednesday after returning from the United Nations Ocean Conference in France, Governor Eno stated that his move to the APC was strategically made in the interest of Akwa Ibom’s development. He dismissed critics, particularly those he referred to as “non-indigenes,” who he accused of interfering in state affairs.
“For those who think we don’t have a choice, I have exercised my right. It is within our constitutional right to freely associate,” Eno declared. “Let’s remain focused because when you are pursuing an elephant, you don’t let a dog stop you on the road.”
The governor emphasized his leadership role, stating: “This is Akwa Ibom’s matter. I am the one in the driver’s seat today. I know the road without traffic jams, without potholes. That’s why I’ve chosen to take Akwa Ibom on an expressway of development.”
He reiterated his commitment to steering the state toward peace, unity, and progress, guided by his faith and sense of divine purpose.
Meanwhile, Akwa Ibom APC Chairman Obong Stephen Ntukekpo praised Eno’s leadership, urging citizens to support the governor’s efforts to secure more federal benefits for the state.
“Governor Eno is the right leader for this time. Rather than engage in vain criticisms, let’s support him to bring more dividends of democracy from the federal level to our people,” Ntukekpo said.
