If We Must Part, Let Us Do So in Peace, Not in Pieces: A Call for Wisdom, Grace, and Reconciliation in Akwa Ibom Politics –
Opinion: I never imagined I would find myself penning these words. Yet, I cannot ignore the clouds gathering on the horizon. For the first time, I find myself sitting on the fence about a matter similar to my friend Regina Askia Williams experience.
Many might wonder, especially my devoted readers, why I have remained noncommittal regarding the swirling rumors on social media about Governor Umo Eno potentially defecting to the APC. Let me clarify my position.
I do not take the dissemination of information from my wall lightly. I am not flippant. A matter as significant as this demands more than mere speculation or gossip. My respect for the Governor is immense; therefore, I refuse to share anything on my wall, unless I am absolutely certain of its accuracy.
And even if I know it to be true, I must respect him to make it official. Even now I cannot state categorically that the Governor is going to leave the PDP to the APC. Some of you might wonder and say “But you must have seen the video”. Yes, I have. But a video is just a video. It is not official. Things can change in a split second. I have seen it happen so many times in politics. As we say it ain’t over until the fat lady sings.
Thus, until the Governor himself declares it officially, I won’t post a definitive statement. If you care for and respect the Governor, I trust you’ll understand this position. And please, refrain from sharing the video in my comments section —I’ve already viewed it. Your understanding and discretion are greatly appreciated.
These events are not the ominous gathering of dark clouds; let’s be clear: these are not rain clouds but clouds of glory—like those that appear after the storm has passed. Whether Pastor Umo Eno chooses to remain in the PDP or transitions to the APC, or even establishes the Akwa Ibom Unity Party, one fundamental truth remains: such a move will not alter who he is. Many fail to grasp this. He is not shifting ideologically from one party to another. This is not a scenario of a Socialist becoming a Capitalist or a Liberal embracing Conservative values. Absolutely not! There will be no philosophical radical change in his political worldview. It’s not a Right leaning politician suddenly turning Left. What we are witnessing is a strategic and pragmatic transition from political uncertainty to political certainty. PDP national is a sinking trawler with different captains. Wike is holding one platform. The Governor of Bauchi State another. Atiku has grabbed his own piece. Governor Umo Eno has only one pair of legs, he can’t stand on a fragmented balknised platform, afterwards suffer in the hands of INEC. Pastor Umo Eno has got to be as wise as a serpent. The core of the Governor’s political agenda—the Arise Agenda—stays intact. Whether he jumps from Party A to Party B, we won’t hear him say, “My former party prioritized Coke, but my new party emphasizes Biscuit.” That narrative won’t change. The essence of his beliefs remains unwavering, regardless of the party he finally chooses to affiliate with.
I never thought I would find myself writing this piece about Governor Udom Emmanuel. Many of you are aware of my consistent disagreements with his leadership style over his last four years in office. What you may not know are the private messages I sent to him, expressing my dissent. On one occasion, I was told that my words got to him, and he was visibly upset. That was when Governor-elect Umo Eno reached out to me and urged me, “Please, whatever grievances you have, set them aside for my sake—we must restore peace to our state.” I took his words to heart and have kept that promise ever since. Today marks the first time I will publicly address Governor Udom Emmanuel, and I hope to do so succinctly.
While I wish I could delve into his relationship with the Senate President, I understand that doing so would only stir painful memories and unearth bones that deserve to rest. Today is a day for healing and reconciliation, not for blame-shifting. Our state is progressing under the guidance of a truly remarkable leader, one who often seems distinct from our community. At times, I wonder if Pastor Umo Eno truly hails from Akwa Ibom State.
Governor Udom Emmanuel can take pride in Governor Umo Eno. This is not a time for him to reflect and regret. It’s not the time to wonder should it have been someone else? Did I make a mistake? Why didn’t I listen to my wife’s intuition? This is not the hour to pick phonecalls from people poisoning his mind, manipulating his emotions and telling him, “We told you so.” He must not submit one second to that vulnerability, it will only lead to peril. He has carried himself nobly so far. Whatever his reservations are he must not listen to political spirits.
Governor Udom Emmanuel has every reason to feel proud of one key achievement: his anointing of Pastor Umo Eno as the Governor of Akwa Abasi Ibom State. Even if many Akwa Ibomites didn’t fully appreciate his eight years in office—especially regarding the tangible impact on the hardworking, poor and struggling masses. Critics often claimed his leadership lacked inspiration and compassion, that it primarily benefited a select few. They felt he struggled to demonstrate empathy. But today I choose to recognize that people come in various shapes and complexities; just as God creates us in different shades and textures. Some leaders are like granite impenetrable and transactional. Others embody the strength of love and are like captains of nations. These are the visionary missionaries and paradigm shifters.
One remarkable achievement he can truly take pride in is his ability to select a deserving successor. In fact, it’s so commendable that he might consider penning a book—a masterpiece—entitled “How to Pick a Good Successor,” aimed at guiding other governors.
He should stand tall knowing that he has chosen a leader who has successfully united the entire state into a cohesive body. This unity extends even to Governor Udom Emmanuel. He can step back, filled with pride, reflect and say , “I may have claimed a quarter of the kingdom, but my successor has conquered the entire realm.” He can sincerely express, “Well done, my son; you have surpassed my achievements.” Even if he has reservations about the direction his successor is taking, he can choose to support him, declaring, “Wherever your name is spoken, my name will be mentioned.” Though he may struggle to comprehend the rationale behind certain decisions—decisions that were not part of his original plan—he has the wisdom to trust in his successor’s judgment, the journey he has embarked upon, and the unwavering support the people of Akwa Ibom State who will rally behind Pastor Umo Eno.
Perhaps, the lessons gleaned from his political successor will inspire a newfound understanding of his own relationship with his political mentor, the Senate President. This pivotal moment calls for authentic peace and reconciliation. It invites him to reflect critically on past actions that may have affected this relationship, influenced by the wolves and scorpions in his cabinet. He now has the opportunity to champion a heartfelt genuine reconciliation not one threaded on his political ambition to become a Senator. Because such ambition can be smelt half a mile away.
The father may face a powerful temptation to assert his authority and defend the state he had governed for eight years. Political opportunists from various factions—those who believe the PDP is akin to a religion—may flock to his gates, fearing exclusion should the Governor choose to switch parties. In large numbers, they may come to proclaim Udom Emmanuel as their king and godfather.
May he resist this all-consuming temptation. May he avoid inciting a revolt or igniting a political civil war. It’s essential to recognize that whether he pursues a covert underground resistance or a blatant confrontation, his defeat is not only inevitable; it would completely overshadow the legacy he now holds of anointing one of the most successful Governors from the South South. Any positive narrative about him in the history books will be deleted. No longer will people celebrate how he picked Pastor Umo Eno; they will instead recount how he reaped what he sowed. How his actions against his own political father chased him to his eventual downfall. History will render no mercy. His attack dogs have already been unleashed; he must rein them in before it’s too late. Organizing a resistance will obliterate him. He must choose glory or gory, the choice is in his hands. Nothing is hidden.
It’s not my place to dictate whether he should stand shoulder to shoulder with his political son. I won’t presume to say that. However, a father can certainly maintain a respectful distance, offering a supportive nod and acknowledging the merit of his decisions. You’ve done well, and I stand with you in this choice you’ve made, for it truly is your reign. In my own time as a king, I faced decisions alone, always hoping to find support from those around me. Son, I may stand apart, but my commitment to you is unwavering. My prayers will accompany you, for ultimately, it’s about the greatness of Akwa Abasi Ibom State. It’s never been about me.
