Deceitful Individuals Are Threat To Politics, Says Gov Eno
From Ekanem Williams, Uyo
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has stated that deceitful Individuals are the real threat to politics in Nigeria.
Recall that the former governor Udom Emmanuel was warmly welcomed from some of Eno’s appointees, prompting concerns within the camp of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Speaking to Policy and Politics, Governor Eno emphasised that the real challenge in politics is not showing respect to leaders openly, but dealing with those who secretly spread falsehoods.
He stated, “For me, those to watch out for are not those who pay respect to our leaders in the open. It is those who sneak surreptitiously to tell lies and plant evil seeds and yet come to smile with you.”
The visit coincided with Emmanuel’s role as a newly inaugurated member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Convention Committee. It was his first return to Akwa Ibom since Eno, once his protégé, defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Some aides of Governor Eno accompanied Emmanuel to the airport and later to his country home in Onna Local Government Area for a family burial, sparking discussions about divided loyalties.
Members of Akpabio’s camp expressed displeasure, with one aide posting on social media that Eno’s appointees seemed more loyal to Emmanuel than to their current governor.
Responding to the criticism, Eno noted that he had read the statements but disapproved of vilifying those with differing views.
Eno, who served under Emmanuel as a commissioner and referred to him as “my political father,” affirmed that there is no conflict between them despite the defection. “I will not fight my boss or any leader. We are on good terms,” he said. He also stressed that Akwa Ibom governance transcends party lines, emphasizing respect for leaders across political divides while maintaining allegiance to the APC and its leaders, including President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Akpabio.
Governor Eno concluded by highlighting that the true threat in politics comes from deceitful individuals, not those who openly pay respect: “They call it politics, but it is deceit of the highest order, and must not be given a chance to thrive in our polity. This is what destroys friendships and relationships.”
