Mixed reactions in PDP camp as Emmanuel anoints successor

Ini Billie, Uyo

Mixed reactions from stakeholders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and citizens of Akwa Ibom State have trailed Governor Udom Emmanuel’s announcement of Pastor Umo Eno, Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources as his successor.

The reactions which are both positive and negative are already creating dissension within the PDP, especially among party members who have started pitching their tents with other governorship candidates.

After the announcement, one of the aspirants, Chairman, House Representatives Committee on Judiciary, Mr Onofiok Luke, stated on his Facebook page that his ambition to become the state governor in 2023 was on course even though Eno (the anointed successor) was from his local government area.

“As a fellow aspirant from the same local government at the same advantage when successful, my aspiration to serve the state in the capacity of a governor remains on course.

“My supporters and those sympathetic to my cause should please note that we are as resolute as ever in our desire to give our people purposeful leadership in the office of the governor come 2023.

God’s Amazing Grace has always seen us through and will always see us through,” he stated.

The immediate past National Legal Adviser of the PDP, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem, and National Chairman of Maintain Peace Movement (MPM), a group created by the state government, said the choice of Umo Eno is a dream come true for the organisation.

Enoidem described Eno as the most qualified person for the position of governor, adding that with his pedigree and antecedents as a renowned entrepreneur, he understands the plight of Akwa Ibom people.

“We all know that Udom Emmanuel was not the most popular politician in 2015 when he was brought to us by God to contest for the position, but he got the acceptability of the people and finally emerged the Governor of the state in 2015 and 2019.

“So, it is the grace of God and His will also that Umo Eno should succeed Udom Emmanuel and we stand by that,” he stated.

Also speaking, State Chairman, Civil Society Organisations, Mr Harry Udoh said the choice of Eno as Gov. Emmanuel’s successor does not automatically make him the people’s choice as both the party and governorship elections would determine that.

“That’s the governor’s choice and it is within the governor’s remit to support whoever he wants and that’s not the choice of Akwa Ibom people. There’s still the primary election to be won and there’s still the general election to be won.

“Anybody can choose anybody; it is left for the people to decide. I think that’s what democracy all is about. The governor can go ahead and dream the dreams he wants and see visions he wants but that is not the dream and vision of the people. The people have to decide at the end who should be governor. We can’t argue with the governor.

“Things are changing, society is evolving the way, we used to do elections in time past is no longer like that, elections are different today, people are more conscious, there is a heightened interest in what is happening in the polity. There used to be imposition but now I see a strong battle for that position. Even in the time past there were upheavals.

“The governor is not saying I chose this one based on his antecedent or what he can do but based on what God told him, in this 21st century? That is the fallacy to ‘appeal to authority,’ that is just reducing God to politician. I don’t have any problem with the Umo Eno but the governor’s posturing is unpalatable,” he noted.

A university don and Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Arts, University of Uyo, Dr Herbert Batta, however exposed the hypocrisy surrounding the choice of Eno as governor, noting that he has many abandoned projects in his name in Eket LGA.

“Did they pray for the Paramount Ruler to handpick a successor? Or did they pray for him to provide guidance and a level playing field for the best homegrown politician to emerge?

“This handpicked one was reportedly awarded a contract, before his appointment as commissioner, to rework Idua road in Eket, a town he lives in, has his businesses and church; but he messed up the road, made it worse, and abandoned it!

“Did the government fail to fund the contract? Did the government reward him with an appointment? Does the government want him to succeed? Or does the government want the party and people to do with it what they did with Obong Attah over his son in law?

“Recall, that’s how Akpabio emerged. Though Akpabio imposed his successor: Udom, will Udom be successful? he queried.