By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
A former Minister of Lands, Housingand Urban Development Chief Nduese Essien has debunked speculations that he has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party for the All Progressive Congress, following the defection of Gov Eno.
Essien who stated this in a press conference in Uyo on Tuesday said the rumors of his defection emanated from the event he attended where Eno formally defected to APC stressing that he attended in solidarity with the governor as elder statesman and indigene of Akwa ibom.
According to the former minister, ‘let me state without ambiguity: I have not defected from any party to another. My attendance at the event was not a declaration of political affiliation but a demonstration of support for the governor, who has shown a rare level of maturity and inclusiveness in governance”.
“Since my decision not to contest for any elective office at the age of 70 in 2014, I have chosen to function purely as an elder statesman—offering advice, promoting peace, and standing for what is just and equitable in our state and country.”
Essien who was also former Chairman, South-South Parliamentary Caucus of the National Assembly maintained that Eno’s defection remained his personal political decision, backed by his constitutional right and informed by what he must have considered the long-term interests of Akwa Ibom State.
“It is not my place to question his right to reposition himself politically. The most cogent reason for his defection is the lingering uncertainty over the future of the PDP in a self-inflicted debacle through years of impunity and lack of internal democracy in the party.
“Seeing the unending nature of the controversy, Governor has taken the right decision to secure his next election in a party platform that is relatively stable, for now,at the National level. Joining the APC naturally takes him to work with the Government at the centre with envisaged ancillary benefits. It is my wish that his hopes be fulfilled in this regards.
“Let me also highlight that even before his defection, Pastor Umo Eno had shown an admirable level of maturity in navigating party lines. He supported the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC for a second term, despite being a PDP governor. These actions, while controversial to some, were calculated to ensure peace, stability, and strategic alignment for the benefit of Akwa Ibom State.
He however criticized Senate President Godswill Akpabio for not reciprocating the Governor’s gesture in matters of appointments
“Sadly, such magnanimity has not been reciprocated by the Senate President or his political machinery. Appointments, empowerment programmes, and political opportunities have remained exclusive to APC loyalists, leaving out PDP members and even those who have chosen neutrality for the sake of peace. This lack of inclusion has continued despite the governor’s overt gestures of goodwill and cooperation.
“In contrast, Governor Umo Eno has empowered citizens across party lines, ensured that appointments reflect the state’s diversity, and resisted the temptation to weaponise government against perceived opponents. That is commendable.” Easien said.
The former Minister advised the governor not to exclude or sideline those who refused to defect with him stressing that such action could erode that legacy of fairness and compromise.
He commended the governor for his support for Senator Akpabio noting that the position as Senate President and no 3 man, is most commendable. “It is not often that this position comes to any state for a long while. It has taken 40 years for it to come back to the South South”.
“Teaming up with the Senate President in his party will generate respect and strengthen his position in the APC and in Government.’ he emphasized.
He maintained that as an elder statesman, his priority remains the unity, peace, and development of Akwa Ibom State., insisting that he will continue to lend voice and wisdom to ensure that political differences do not tear his people apart but rather coexist with dignity, maturity, and mutual respect.
