Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has explained that he has to collaborate with the Senate President, Dr. Godswill Akpabio, in order to curry his support for state development.
The governor strongly denies that he has any intention whatsoever to dump the Peoples Democratic Party that brought him to power.
He spoke in Uyo about programs to mark the 37th anniversary of Akwa Ibom’s creation, saying his reaction was to douse increasing suspicion that his closeness with the Senate President was a prelude to joining the national ruling party.
Eno expressed his respect for Akpabio as the Senate President, citing his status as their son and his need for the necessary support to excel in that role.
Eno said he will take advantage of Akpabio’s status as the number three citizen of Nigeria.
Eno advised the people to learn how to differentiate party issues from governance issues.
“The first benefit of building this relationship is the peace we all enjoy in our state.” I am a PDP person, I am working for PDP, and as a state we will continue to support the party and also support our son, who is the number three citizen of this country. But we must differentiate between party issues and governance issues.
“We are going to the polls now, and I am working for my party, the PDP.” We are campaigning, and we are confident that we will win.” Some people have accused me of using body language. I don’t have body language; you misread me. There is no body language. Working for the PDP, we have demonstrated our trustworthiness to the people.
“Let us continue to maintain a cordial relationship; let’s continue to respect the people that God has placed in charge of us. I honor the Senate President and will always do so. That does not mean that we don’t disagree when it comes to party issues.
Being the country’s number three citizen, no matter what party, is no easy feat. “We are blessed as a people, and one day I will share with you the benefits of this collaboration. That is why we collaborate with people,” he stated.
