Rift In Akwa Ibom As Gov Emmanuel Names Preferred Successor

Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has overtly unveiled Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Mr Umo Eno as his chosen successor, The Nigerian Voice learnt.

However, his choice has created a big division in the State Executive Council and the State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with many members in anger.

It was gathered that Governor Emmanuel unveiled Eno on Sunday night during a meeting with some selected leaders in the State and prospective aspirants for the governorship post, including members of National Assembly

The declaration put an end to months of tension and speculations in the State over Emmanuel’s preferred successor.

Former Governor Victor Attah and some fathers of Faith, and association of influential church leaders in the State, it was gathered, influenced the Governor’s preference for the Commissioner.

The Nigerian Voice learnt Emmanuel invited some party elders, including some of those nursing gubernatorial bid to the Governor’s lodge without informing them of the meeting’s agenda to them.

Meanwhile, the annoucement reportedly instigated a rumpus in the State Executive Council with some Commissioners nursing governorship aspiration very uncomfortable with the development.

Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Judiciary Onofiok Luke said to be eyeing the governorship in 2023 reportedly stormed out of the meeting after the annoucement, sources disclosed.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Iniobong Ememobong and his Economic Development and Ibom Deep seaport colleague, Akan Okon were absent at the meeting.

Emmanuel’s Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udo, who confirmed the development to news men, said the action was taken by a cross section of stakeholders in the State.

“The Governor announced that he (Eno) was the one God has revealed to him as the next Governor of the state and he was unveiled to all the stakeholders from the three senatorial districts of the State by the former governor, Obong Victor Attah, who then applauded the choice.

“It was an array of the political elders made up of Senators and House of Representatives members,” Udo asserted.

When asked if there were some dissenting voices at the meeting on the choice of Eno, Udo stated that he wasn’t aware of any.