Table of Contents
- Tension in Akwa Ibom State
- Reactions to Security Withdrawal
- Government Response
- Confirmation of Withdrawal
- Political Motivation
Tension has arisen in Akwa Ibom State following the withdrawal of security personnel assigned to the former governor of the state, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, over the weekend.
Sources indicate that police officers assigned to the two residences of the former governor in Akwa Ibom have all been recalled.
This situation has sparked mixed reactions within the state, with some alleging that the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led State government orchestrated the withdrawal to pressure the former governor into joining the party. Others believe this action indicates a rift between Governor Umo Eno and his predecessor, Mr. Emmanuel.
It is important to note that Udom Emmanuel is the political mentor of the current governor, Eno, having played a significant role in his election as governor under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 general elections.
However, their relationship seems to have deteriorated following Governor Umo Eno’s defection to the APC.
Throughout this period, his mentor, Emmanuel, has remained silent but has pledged unwavering loyalty to the PDP.
Mr. Emmanuel’s commitment to stay with the PDP and work on rebuilding the party ahead of the 2027 elections has been perceived as a threat to the APC-led state government, leading to the decision to undermine him.
In response to the situation, the Akwa Ibom government, through the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Aniekan Umana, held a press briefing to refute claims that it directed the withdrawal of security personnel assigned to the former governor, labeling such reports as false and misleading.
He stated, “The deployment, reassignment, or withdrawal of police officers is the exclusive responsibility of the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police in each state, not the duty of any governor.”
“I can assure you that the Governor did not issue any directive to withdraw security personnel from the immediate past Governor,” he added.
Furthermore, he emphasized that all former governors of Akwa Ibom State are entitled to, and continue to receive, their security details as mandated by law.
“To the best of our knowledge, there have been no complaints or reports from any former governor or their media aides regarding the withdrawal of security personnel. The rumor exists solely in the minds of those spreading it,” Umanah stated.
The commissioner encouraged the public to disregard the unfounded propaganda, reaffirming that the peace-loving Governor of Akwa Ibom State is focused on promoting peace, unity, and effective governance throughout the state.
Meanwhile, Barrister Steve Abia, a Special Assistant to former Governor Emmanuel, confirmed the withdrawal of the security details but could not identify who ordered the action.
He remarked, “The reality is that if you go to the former governor’s residences right now, there are no police security personnel present, and that is the truth.”
“Who withdrew the security personnel is something I cannot comment on. If you have time, we can visit the locations to see for yourself,” he told our correspondent.
However, a pro-PDP group, PDP Advocates for Peace and Justice, characterized the incident as politically motivated, aimed at undermining the former governor.
The Chairman of the group, Dr. Tom FredFish, stated in a phone conversation with DAILY POST, “If the state claims it does not know the whereabouts of the security details at Udom’s residences, how does that sound?”
“This also confirms that Umo Eno is experiencing issues with his leader, as it is unprecedented for the federal government to remove security details from a former governor.”
“It is unfortunate that they have resorted to such political tactics. All of this is merely an attempt to dismantle the PDP's presence in the state and to see how they can dominate the party.”
“Udom has asserted that the PDP must remain a viable party. They are doing everything possible to ensure the party collapses in the state.”
“But that will not happen. The PDP does not belong to any individual in Akwa Ibom State.”
“My advice is for them to cease their panic and concentrate on good governance.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the security details of former Governor Udom Emmanuel withdrawn?
The withdrawal of security details has been interpreted by some as a political maneuver by the APC-led state government to pressure Mr. Emmanuel into joining their party, while others see it as evidence of a rift between him and the current governor, Umo Eno.
What is the response of the Akwa Ibom government regarding the withdrawal?
The Akwa Ibom government has denied any involvement in the withdrawal of security personnel, stating that such decisions are under the jurisdiction of the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, not the governor.
What do the supporters of the PDP say about this incident?
Supporters of the PDP, particularly the group PDP Advocates for Peace and Justice, have claimed that the withdrawal is politically motivated and part of a strategy to weaken the PDP in Akwa Ibom State.
