From Isaac Job, Uyo

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof. Eno Ibanga, has defected from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and received a membership card from the ward chairman of Ukpum Minya Ward 1 in Mkpat Enin local government area of the state.

The commissioner registered in the party ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the state for the official reception of Governor Umo Eno into the All Progressives Congress (APC) this weekend.

Speaking at the ward centre at Ukpum Minya Ward 1, Ibanga said he had handed over 1000, including local government appointees, former House of Representatives member Rt. Hon. Udobong Ekpo, ex-chapter chairman of PDP Nkereuwem Akai, and councillors from PDP to APC, adding that wherever the governor would remain, he would be there too.

The Works Commissioner, in his remark after he was issued with an APC card, reminded the people that the state governor has moved progressively, giving convincing reasons for taking the step to the new party, and urged the grassroot supporters to join immediately.

“As we all know, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno who is my boss and the leader of team Akwa Ibom has moved progressively from the PDP to APC, and His Excellency has given a lot of meaningful reasons why he took that step.

“Even as we speak now, our former party, PDP, is unable to convene a NEC meeting. Just yesterday, INEC issued a letter rejecting their proposal to host a NEC meeting, and in a situation like that, Akwa Ibom State cannot be caught hanging in the air of uncertainty, unsure of her political fate .

“Hence, His Excellency has decided to join the progressives and as a loyal person and an Aide to the Governor I joined him from day one, so that I can give him my full support both in the A.R.I.S.E agenda and his re-election come 2027”.

Ibanga said though he had resigned from the PDP before receiving the new party card , the ward event was necessary for him to enlightened the ward to know that he had defected from the PDP.

He explained that Pastor Umo Eno did not defect from PDP because of any problem in the state structure, as the party crisis is only at the National .

“So we are not fighting with our former party men; in fact, Pastor Umo Eno is operating the Akwa Ibom United administration because even if he contested elections today on a non-party platform, he would still win because of his good performance and people-centered approach to governance.

“However let us be rest assured that the defection of Pastor Umo Eno with many of us will not in any way hinder the progress we have made in developing the state; instead, as he connects directly with President Tinubu, more opportunities will open for the benefit of our people.“

He announced the donation of a brand new motorcycle to the APC ward Chairman to ease his movement in the villages for registration of members and issuance of party cards to new and intending members.

Earlier, the Chapter Chairman of APC in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Hon. Utitofon Jeremiah lauded the Works Commissioner for his commitment to community service, visible support to Pastor Umo Eno and empowerment of his constituents over the years.

“one of our greatest joy is to have a personality like Professor Eno Ibanga in our midst, as the chapter chairman this is the first ward I have visited since this movement began and it is so because a representative of the Governor in this ward and Local Government Area is a man of good character, and strong leadership qualities.

Jeremiah cleared all doubts and reservations concerning the old and new members disparity and , assured the new members that there will be equal right as provided in the constitution of APC .

“According to the APC constitution, if you arrived APC this morning as a new member, you share equal rights and privileges as the founding fathers

” So there should be no doubts whether old members will allow new members to have a voice, or if new members will take over positions of the old members, we will all work together as a United family to make this party great and successful in Mkpat Enin”.

The ward chairman while receiving Ibanga formally into the party pledged his loyalty and urged him to continue in his welfare approach known at tge grassroot.

“The Commissioner should please use the same approach and welfare system he extended to executive members of his former party to those in this new party , with him in our party we know that it is our turn to smile”.

The event was witnessed by chapter officers of the APC, including the Secretary, Mr. Felix Ntukekpo; Councillors across all wards in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, Supervisors, former party officials of both PDP and APC, as well as ward executives of the APC.