Akwa Ibom

Governor Umo Eno Receives First Open Letter With Warning From Isine

Published

1 year ago

May 6, 2025

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Governor Umo Eno Receives First Open Letter With Warning From Isine

No harm intended
I write this letter with the deepest respect for you, not just as the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, but also as a man I have personally admired for your humility, compassion, and genuine desire to better the lives of our people. I do not engage in praise and worship save for the Almighty God.

As a result, this is not a political attack or a subtle attempt at praise-singing and should not be construed as such under any circumstances. This is a genuine conversation and an honest intervention. I am doing this because I believe you deserve to hear the truth, no matter how unpleasant it is.

The stakes are too high and the whispers too loud to continue to stay silent. It is time to speak the bitter truth openly and offer some perspectives that may help you make an informed decision.

Your Excellency, there is widespread speculation that you are considering defecting from your political party to another platform. You have been making veiled statements about it in many forums, and you talked about it recently in Ukanafun, when you shared the analogy of leaving Ibom Air to board Air Peace if the former encounters problems.

If you truly wish to defect, I must urge you to reconsider your own political future and the destiny of Akwa Ibom State. As a curator of history, I am aware that the political platform on which you contested the last election is more than just a party in the state; it is a strong political ecosystem. It is the platform that provided you with the political identity, structure, and legitimacy.

It is the house built with the blood, sweat, and sacrifice of thousands of dedicated citizens, some of whom gave up all to assure your victory. The concept of abandoning this platform to join another that is currently struggling to keep the country together is not just dangerous; it can be potentially catastrophic.

History is a Beautiful Mirror
Allow me, Your Excellency, to draw your attention to the story of our elder brother, Senator Godswill Akpabio—a man who once commanded the same political and emotional loyalty you have now. During his administration, Akpabio gained a cult following. Many of the people who are now shouting “strategy” and “realignment” in your ear used to be on his “praise and worship team.”

They sang his praises, nicknamed him the “Uncommon Transformer,” and worshiped at his political altar with fanatical fervor. However, when he defected and the tides shifted and the carrots stopped dropping, they did not hesitate to spew the vilest insults on him. They mocked him after he lost the senatorial election in 2019.

They forgot all the things he had done for them and how he invited them into the political kitchen to eat sumptuously from the delicacies of our common patrimony. They were more concerned with the platform that fed them than with his legacy and the friendship they shared. No absurd word was spared when addressing him.

The history is a very beautiful thing and it is right in front of us to see. Just look at those who got there before you: Chief Don Etiebet, the late Obong Ime Umana, Chief Umana Umana, Chief Nsima Ekere, and Senator John Udoedehe, (to mention a few), who were once towering figures who played pivotal roles in shaping the party in Akwa Ibom and Abuja.

Today, many of them are on the sidelines, watching from a distance as the game continues without them. What happened to them is not a folktale. It is a real-time reminder that the terrain is far from predictable.

Permit me to remind you, Your Excellency, that many well-meaning citizens of Akwa Ibom wrote openly to your predecessor, Deacon Udom Emmanuel, during his time in office.

They appealed to him to make certain course corrections to avoid potential challenges after leaving office. These concerned individuals did not just offer criticism—they gave constructive feedback and practical recommendations for improvement.

Ironically, many of the same voices now singing your praises were, at the time, among those who harshly attacked these citizens for daring to speak the truth to power. Yet, as time has shown, history has vindicated those who spoke out.

WARNING

Beware of Chronic Praise Worshippers
Your Excellency, it has always been my duty to speak truth to power. I have never insulted any Akwa Ibom leader, and I never will.

But those who may attack me for offering you this honest advice—or falsely claim that I am your enemy—are the same individuals who rely on sycophancy to survive and will never speak the truth to you. Do not be swayed by the mushroom organisations that will suddenly emerge to endorse your defection. Promoting such causes is how they earn a living—they do not genuinely care about your success. Their interest lies not in your vision, but in what they can extract from the system.

These individuals once served Governor Victor Attah with praise yet turned against him when he clashed with his political son, Godswill Akpabio. They later insulted Akpabio when Udom Emmanuel took over. God forbid, if you ever disagree with Udom Emmanuel, they will not hesitate to insult him too, just to prove their “loyalty” to you.

But that is not loyalty. That is stomach loyalty at its worst. True loyalty is grounded in honesty, courage, and the willingness to speak the truth for the greater good, even when it is uncomfortable.

I do not believe those who offered constructive criticism were against Governor Emmanuel then, just as I am not against you now. I bear no ill will toward anyone whom God has chosen to lead our beloved state. My only interest is in seeing Akwa Ibom thrive under a leadership that is responsive, inclusive, and accountable.

Another sobering reality: most of the top political leaders, grassroots mobilisers, and party loyalists who gave you their blood and soul during the previous election may not follow you to the new party. I believe their viewpoint may be unequivocal: we are PDP through and through. They may not join you for financial gain, political power, or sentimental reasons.

These are the people that worked tirelessly to safeguard your mandate. Many fought tooth and claw to persuade naysayers that you were the proper guy for the job. To see you turn your back on the platform that enabled your rise will feel like betrayal—and they will not forget.

The Grass might not be as Green across the Fence
Let us be frank, Sir. The destination you have in mind might not be as welcoming as you think. Right now, it is like navigating a leaking canoe through a hurricane, only that the waters are already crowded with well-fed political sharks engaged in a never-ending swimming contest, each determined to outflank the other. And let us not kid ourselves.

You are well aware of someone who practically owns the GPS coordinates of the party’s structure in Akwa Ibom and has Abuja on speed dial. Thinking you will simply walk in and take control of the structure is not confidence. It is an experiment at political suicide.

Staying in your current party is not just about loyalty. It is a strategic move for the stability and progress of Akwa Ibom State. The reality is that your party is solid at home. The structure is intact, you are firmly in control, and there is peace on your side of the fence. You have the support, the breathing space, and the political capital to fully deliver on your ARISE Agenda.

Better still, you are already enjoying bipartisan goodwill, which is a rare currency in Nigeria’s political marketplace. So, why trade all that for a plunge into uncertainty, endless turf wars, and the very real risk of a possible public embarrassment? Sometimes, the smartest move is knowing when to stay the course.

Your Excellency, no one can lawfully hinder your decision should you choose to defect because you are a free moral agent, eligible to make political decisions in line with your convictions.

But it is important to reflect deeply on the far-reaching implications of such a move. Should you proceed along that path, you may inevitably forfeit control over the political structure you have inherited and so diligently consolidated. It is a possibility.

Umo Eno

Unlike in Delta State, where the governor has become the leader of the new party on defection, you may not enjoy that privilege unless you push hard for it on the negotiation table.

If not, in the new political territory, you would be subordinated to an already entrenched power bloc, led by the party’s most influential figure in the state, who is also the third highest-ranking official in the country.

Those who have stood with you would be compelled to start afresh, taking their place at the end of the queue in a system where loyalty has long been pledged elsewhere.

And crucially, the freedom you currently enjoy shaping your succession may be significantly curtailed; the latitude that enabled your own emergence may not be extended to you in kind.

Even more worrisome is that regardless of the assurances or agreements you may extract in the process of defection, the odds will remain firmly stacked against you.

Political pacts, however promising they may appear on paper, are often subject to shifting tides and competing interests.

In such a terrain, agreements are elusive, and influence is neither automatic nor enduring.

AN OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNOR UMO ENO – Part 1

By Ibanga Isine

To our dear Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.

…to be continued

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Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom Youth Coalition Passes Vote of Confidence in Governor Eno, Tinubu and Akpabio, Pledges Support for 2027

Published

1 day ago

August 19, 2026

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Akwa Ibom Youth Coalition Passes Vote of Confidence in Governor Eno, Tinubu and Akpabio, Pledges Support for 2027

The Coalition of Youth Leaders and Stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State has passed a vote of confidence in Governor Umo Bassey Eno, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, while pledging continued support for their political aspirations and candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Eereporter.com

The coalition made its position known in a communiqué issued at the end of its meeting and media briefing held in Uyo on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

The youth leaders commended the Eno administration for what they described as its commitment to infrastructure development, human-capital development, youth empowerment and grassroots transformation across the state.

They specifically highlighted programmes and interventions including the DASAC training programmes, Ibom-LED initiatives, youth grants, Youth-Friendly Centres across the 31 local government areas and opportunities for young people in government and grassroots administration.

According to the coalition, more than 2,000 beneficiaries have received training and grants of ₦750,000 each through the Ibom-LED Centre on IBB Avenue, Uyo, while 62 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises have reportedly received ₦5 million each, amounting to ₦310 million in interventions.

The group also commended the administration’s educational support, citing the reported disbursement of about ₦1.69 billion in student bursaries at ₦50,000 per beneficiary, as well as monthly support of ₦20,000 for 98,000 National Youth Service Corps members.

On youth participation in governance, the coalition said the administration had created opportunities for young people through political appointments, Ward Personal Assistants and the involvement of Village Youth Presidents in community security initiatives.

It noted that approximately 91 per cent of the state’s youth structure reportedly serves as Ward Personal Assistants, describing the arrangement as evidence of deliberate efforts to promote grassroots youth participation.

The coalition consequently rejected claims that the ARISE administration was anti-youth, youth-unfriendly or had marginalised young people in the state.

It, however, called on the government to sustain and expand its youth-focused programmes while ensuring that access to opportunities remained equitable, transparent and inclusive.

The youth leaders also distanced themselves from recent social media statements attributed to Prince Akan Etteudoh concerning the state government and youth affairs.

They maintained that Etteudoh did not have the mandate to speak on behalf of the entire youth population or the collective youth leadership structure of Akwa Ibom State, urging stakeholders to avoid presenting personal opinions as the collective position of the state’s youths.

The coalition called on young people across the state to remain peaceful and united, while pursuing their aspirations through dialogue, responsible advocacy and constructive engagement.

In its concluding resolution, the group reaffirmed its commitment to a constructive partnership between the state government and Akwa Ibom youths, stressing that young people should be regarded not only as leaders of tomorrow but also as partners in building the state today.

Akwa Ibom

The coalition’s declaration comes ahead of the 2027 political season, with the youth leaders pledging their support for Governor Umo Eno, President Tinubu, Senate President Akpabio and the candidates aligned with their political platform.

The communiqué was signed on behalf of the Coalition of Youth Leaders in Akwa Ibom State.
Eereporter.com

Akwa Ibom

Nigerian Navy Rescues 22 Sea Rubbery Victims, Recovers Hijacked Passengers Boat in Akwa Ibom

Published

4 days ago

August 16, 2026

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Nigerian Navy Rescues 22 Sea Rubbery Victims, Recovers Hijacked Passengers Boat in Akwa Ibom

The Nigerian Navy has recorded a significant operational success against
maritime criminality with the rescue of 22 passengers following the
hijacking of a wooden passenger boat along the Calabar–Oron–Ibaka
waterway and the recovery of the hijacked vessel.
Eereporter.com

The successful operation was conducted by personnel of Forward
Operating Base (FOB) Ibaka) in collaboration with Operation Delta Safe
(OPDS) Sector 4 and the Marine Police, following the attack on a passenger
boat travelling from Henshaw Town Beach in Calabar to Utan Uyata,
Ibaka, on 11 August 2026.
The boat was reportedly intercepted by armed sea robbers shortly after
passing Enwang Community, resulting in the hijacking of the vessel and
the abduction of its passengers. Upon receipt of information on the
incident, personnel of FOB Ibaka, in coordination with the collaborating
security agencies, commenced coordinated efforts to locate the victims
and recover the hijacked boat.

The sustained response resulted in the recovery of the hijacked passenger
boat and the rescue of 11 victims who had been abandoned by the
suspected criminals at Asak-Ikang Creek. A further 11 passengers who
had earlier escaped during the attack were subsequently located and
accounted for at the OPDS Sector 4 command post, bringing the total
number of rescued and accounted-for victims to 22.

All the rescued passengers were subsequently taken to the FOB Ibaka
Sickbay for medical assessment and first aid before arrangements were
made for their safe return to Calabar alongside the recovered passenger
boat. No ransom was paid for the release of the victims.

The Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral
Chidozie Okehie, reaffirmed the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to
sustaining robust maritime security operations, strengthening inter-
agency collaboration and leveraging timely intelligence to deny criminal
elements freedom of action along the nation’s waterways.

Nigerian Navy

The successful rescue further demonstrates the Nigerian Navy’s
determination to protect lives, safeguard legitimate maritime activities and
maintain a secure maritime environment. The Service will continue to
sustain operations in collaboration with sister security agencies and other
stakeholders to counter sea robbery, kidnapping and other forms of
maritime criminality.

Signed

Abiodun Folorunsho
Navy Captain
Director of Naval Information
Eereporter.com

Akwa Ibom

Governor Eno Inspect Ibom Air’s third Airbus Aircraft in Canada

Published

5 days ago

August 15, 2026

admin

Governor Eno Inspect Ibom Air’s third Airbus Aircraft in Canada

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has led a delegation comprising some state executives and members of the airline’s management team to a pre-delivery inspection at the Airbus production facility in Mirabel, Canada ahead of the formal delivery of Ibom Air’s third Airbus A220-300 aircraft,.
Eereporter.com

A statement issued by the Group Manager, Marketing and Communication of Ibom Airlines Limited, Aniekan Essienette, in Uyo on Saturday, said the inspection marked another significant milestone in the company’s fleet modernisation and growth strategy.

According to the statement, the pre-delivery inspection is part of the acceptance process before the aircraft enters commercial service. It also marks a further step in Ibom Air’s commitment to expanding capacity, strengthening connectivity and operating one of Africa’s most modern fleets.

The delegation was received by Guillaume Chevasson, Head of the A220 Programme and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Canada.

Speaking on the significance of the event, the Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, Mr George Uriesi, described the inspection as a significant milestone in Ibom Air’s fleet expansion and modernisation.

He said the company remained focused on investing in modern aircraft that deliver superior operational efficiency, reliability, safety and passenger comfort as demand for air travel continues to grow.

“This pre-delivery inspection represents an important milestone in our fleet expansion programme and brings us one step closer to welcoming this aircraft to Nigeria. As demand for air travel continues to grow across our markets, we remain focused on investing in modern aircraft that deliver superior operational efficiency, reliability, safety, and passenger comfort.

“The Airbus A220 continues to be the ideal aircraft for our network strategy, and we look forward to deploying this latest addition into our network in furtherance of our growth objectives,” Uriesi said.

“This investment aligns with the ARISE Agenda and our vision of establishing Akwa Ibom as a leading aviation hub, supported by world-class infrastructure and a modern airline.

“We look forward to formally receiving this aircraft in Akwa Ibom State and to the economic opportunities that enhanced connectivity will create for trade, tourism, investment, and regional development,” Eno said.

Speaking on the partnership with Ibom Air, Guillaume Chevasson, Head of the A220 Programme and Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Canada, noted:

“We are honoured by Ibom Air’s trust in Airbus and the A220 Family. The A220 is the ideal aircraft for the airline’s fleet modernisation, thanks to its exceptional operational flexibility, fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and performance across domestic and regional networks, and we look forward to supporting Ibom Air’s continued growth for many years to come.”

The aircraft, according to the statement, incorporates features that further support the airline’s commitment to continuous improvement in operational capability, efficiency and customer experience.

Upon completion of the delivery processes, the aircraft will be ferried to Nigeria, where it will be officially received into the Ibom Air fleet in Akwa Ibom State before commencing commercial operations.

Canada

The Airbus A220-300 is globally recognised for its advanced technology, fuel efficiency, spacious cabin design and exceptional passenger comfort. Its addition further strengthens Ibom Air’s position as one of Africa’s fastest-growing and most innovative airlines, while supporting the carrier’s long-term vision for sustainable growth and service excellence.
Eereporter.com