By ETIM ETIM
Senate President Gpdswill Akpabio and Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State are some of the dignitaries and APC bigwigs that will attend the defection rally of PDP chieftain and eminent lawyer, Emmanuel Enoidem, SAN, into APC on Friday, January 23. The event takes place in Utu Etim Ekpo, headquarters of his native Etim Ekpo LGA. Official statement is being expected, but confirming the development to me this afternoon, Enoidem himself said: ‘’Yes. It’s true, but it is one of the most difficult decisions of my political life. I will give details at the rally. You are invited’’. I assured him that he’s made the right decision. ‘’You worked hard to get Pastor Eno elected governor in 2023. You should not be outside’’, I told him.
Gov. Eno was also measured in his response to my inquiries. ‘’By the grace of God, it is true. We thank God’’, the governor said, adding, ‘’I believe that we in Akwa Ibom should support this President to continue in the good work he’s doing. I believe that we should also support the Senate President. Akwa Ibom will vote massively for them.’’
Enoidem is a major political figure in Akwa Ibom State; one of the few PDP leaders who did not defect with Gov. Eno in June. He was State Secretary of PDP during the Attah administration, a commissioner for eight years in the Akpabio administration, National Legal Adviser of PDP and a candidate for senate in the last election. His defection to APC is a major loss and psychological blow to the PDP. He’s joining APC two weeks after another senior lawyer, Uwemedimo Nwoko, SAN, joined APC from PDP. Nwoko is from the neighbouring Ika LGA.
APC members in the state are ecstatic. State Chairman Stephen Ntokekpo said, ‘’It is a very good development for our party. Enoidem is one astute politician we are proud to have as a member and leader’’. Dr. Ita Udosen, APC South-South Secretary intoned, ‘’I am very happy that the learned silk has finally decided to join us. I will be in Etim Ekpo to join our governor and other leaders to receive him into the party’’. Elder Aniefiok Isat, an APC leader in Ibesikpo-Asutan LGA, who was the first person to inform me of the rumours of the defection, was excited after I confirmed the story. ‘’Enoidem’s defection will destabilize PDP, or whatever remains of it, in Akwa Ibom. He was something of a spiritual leader of PDP party in his LGA; our former governor, Udom Emmanuel must be devastated’’.
I join millions of APC members and supporters nationwide to welcome Mr. Emmanuel Enoidem to our great party.
