Akwa Ibom
Governor Umo Eno Forced My Defection To APC, Says Enoidem
Governor Umo Eno Forced My Defection To APC, Says Enoidem
Governor Umo Eno forced my defection to APC, says Enoidem. Ahead of the crucial general elections next year in Akwa Ibom State, one of the last bastions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has finally caved-in with the defection of the former national legal adviser to the party, Mr Emmanuel Enoidem.
Giving insight into his decision to dump the PDP which he had been a founding member since the return of democracy in 1999, Enoidem disclosed that intense pressure from Governor Umo Eno weakened his heart to change his mind.
Speaking at Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s Shelter Afrique residence in Uyo during a late-night pre-defection meeting with stakeholders which dragged into the wee hours of Friday, Enoidem said the governor’s emotional appeal broke his hardline stance.
“Governor Umo Eno sent me a text message that gave me sleepless nights; he told me he is empty without me,” he recalled.
“I remember very well when he told me he was joining the APC; the governor did not rest. At every point he sees me, whether in church or at any event, he would tell me ‘my brother, I am very empty without you.’
“On January 9, the governor sent me a text message that kept me awake for three different days. For three different days I couldn’t sleep because of that particular text message.
“My reply was that I want to pray for three days; that he should wait for that three days to come. He later stormed my house with leaders of Akwa Ibom State that we used to work together for him.
“That night, it was impossible for me to say no to the governor. And that has given birth to this meeting today,” he stated.
At the meeting, Enoidem, a former PDP State Exco member, expressed happiness at being reunited with his former boss, Senator Akpabio, whom he served under in different ministries as commissioner between 2007 and 2015, when the senate president was the state governor.
At the defection proper held at Utu Etim Ekpo, headquarters of his Etim Ekpo local government, the elated Governor Eno, accompanied by the Senate President, members of the State Executive Council (SEC), leaders, elders and stakeholders of the APC, assured of seamless second terms for President Bola Tinubu, Akpabio and Eno, and charged the electorate to be in the vanguard of realising the mission.

Governor Umo Eno Forced My Defection
With the defection of Enoidem, the only remnants still marking time in the former ruling party, media gathered, include the immediate past Governor Udom Emmanuel; the current PDP publicity secretary, Comrade Iniobong Ememobong and the former speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke.
Speaking in an interview with our correspondent in Uyo, the commissioner for Information, Dr Aniekan Umanah, dismissed the insinuation that Akwa Ibom was inching towards a one party state, explaining that “it’s all about a one, united Akwa Ibom” devoid of political party sentiments.
Akwa Ibom
Workers’ Day: Akwa Ibom Gov Announces N160m Support Fund, Gifts Labour Leaders Cars
Workers’ Day: Akwa Ibom Gov Announces N160m Support Fund, Gifts Labour Leaders Cars
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pst. Umo Eno has announced a support fund of N160 million for Akwa Ibom State Workers.
The Governor also gifted the Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC) Comrade Kingsley Akpan and the State Chairperson of the Joint Public Sector Negotiation Committee, Comrade Kingsley Ekong brand new Cars in commemoration of the day.
The Deputy Governor, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi who represented the Governor at the event, said it was a commitment by Gov Eno to supporting Akwa Ibom State Workers as their dedication, resilience and productivity have significantly boosted productivity in the state’s overall development.
She described Akwa Ibom as one of the most peaceful states in the country, attributing the steady influx of organisations and groups holding meetings in the state to its safety and stability, noting that recent commendations came in yesterday as the Inspector General of Police, Tinju Disu and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Sunday Kelvin further underscored the Government’s investments in security and peaceful coexistence.
“Just yesterday the IGP of Police and Chief Air Staff applauded the Gov for the peaceful and decent nature of the state.
“ And this speaks to the commitment and investment made by the Governor of the state.”
Eyakenyi, however, urged the Trade Union Congress to acknowledge the administration’s efforts in maintaining security and empowering youths, stressing that such initiatives had significantly contributed to the calm atmosphere in the state.
She disclosed that the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and TUC had earlier paid a courtesy visit to the Governor to present key issues affecting workers, noting that the Governor promptly constituted a committee to address the concerns within one month.
She also paid tribute to the outgoing NLC Chairman, Comrade Sunny James, praising his patriotism and commitment to the growth of the state as she expressed optimism that he would continue to contribute to development even after his tenure.
Eyakenyi announced further that the state government was rewarding Comrade Akpan and Mr. Ekong, with official vehicles to support their work. She reiterated the government’s commitment to worker’s welfare, including the payment of gratuities, revealing that about N82 billion had been paid out of over N100 billion.
She added that the government had also provided housing for civil servants through a transparent raffle system and sustained training programmes to enhance manpower development, pledging that worker’s welfare would remain a top priority of the administration.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, Sir Udo Kierian, in his tone setting, said May Day remained a significant occasion set aside globally to celebrate hardworking employees across both public and private sectors, noting that the state workforce had every reason to celebrate in view of the government’s favourable policies.
He stated that since assuming office in May 2023, the governor had carried workers along in governance, adding that the administration’s vision and mission had been effectively interpreted through various ministries and government offices.
Also, the NLC State Chairperson, Comrade Sunny James, commended the administration of Governor Eno for efforts in promoting workers, and sued for a more speedy process in implementation.
He also appreciated the Governor for paying gratuities till date.
“We have a leader who loves workers and is gradually clearing gratuities,” he said.
James described his tenure which began in April of 2019 as “not an easy one” noting that despite challenges, his leadership has recorded significant strides in representing workers’ interest.
He urged workers to remain committed and united as he bows out honourably in few months.
He further noted that even in moments of disagreement, Governor Eno had consistently demonstrated a willingness to find common ground, resolving issues amicably.

Akwa Ibom Governor
In their various solidarity messages, Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Elise Peter, Speaker, House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, Chief Judge represented by Justice Effiong Effiong, TUC Chairman Mr. Akpan, State Chairperson Joint Public Sector Negotiation Committee, Comrade Akpan, commended the Governor for his commitment to worker’s welfare, noting that despite occasional disagreements, the governor had always sought for ways of bettering the lots for workers.
They also acknowledged his administration’s efforts in promoting workers, mobilising contractors back to sites, and gradually clearing outstanding gratuities, while expressing optimism that the existing cooperation between labour and government would further enhance development and industrial harmony in the state.
Akwa Ibom
NAF Helicopter Landing Inspires Youths, Strengthens Bonds In Akwa Ibom Community
NAF Helicopter Landing Inspires Youths, Strengthens Bonds In Akwa Ibom Community
A routine flight turned into an unforgettable moment in Nsit Ibom as Nigeria marked Workers’ Day. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) demonstrated its people-focused service during a routine liaison mission within the Niger Delta area.
While en route on the mission, the crew executed a precautionary landing at a primary school football field in Nsit Ibom LGA, in line with standard safety procedures.
The unexpected arrival of the helicopter transformed the quiet community space into a scene of excitement, drawing children and youths from Afaha Abia and Ikot Obio Asanga villages, many witnessing a military helicopter up close for the first time. What began as a routine mission quickly evolved into a meaningful moment of connection and inspiration.
Eereporter.com
Seizing the opportunity, NAF personnel engaged warmly with the young audience, sharing insights into career pathways and emphasizing the values of discipline, service, and patriotism. The interaction ignited hope and aspiration among the youths, with several expressing a desire to join the Service.

NAF
Seamless coordination between Nigerian Air Force and Nigerian Army personnel, alongside the warm reception by community leaders, further reinforced the strong bond between the military and the people.
Following necessary aviation procedures, the helicopter safely departed and has since returned to base, leaving behind more than just a story, it sparked hope, pride, and stands as a powerful testament to the Nigerian Air Force’s enduring commitment to national defence, community engagement, and inspiring the next generation.
Akwa Ibom
Akwa Ibom Airport Commences International Operations With Maiden Flight To Ghana
Akwa Ibom Airport Commences International Operations With Maiden Flight To Ghana
Today, the people of Akwa Ibom State rolled out the drums, once again, in celebration of a milestone achievement with the completion of the international terminal and the commencement of international operations at the Victor Attah International Airport.
Eereporter.com
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, was on ground, and officially declared the airport ready for international operations.

Ibom Air
The State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, expressed satisfaction with the development, saying, “I am indeed proud to be an Akwa Ibomite.”
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