Former Minister of Lands, Housing and City Improvement, Chief Nduese Essien has denied becoming a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) with Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State.
Essien acknowledged this in clearing the air over his presence on the Authorities Home, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State venue of Governor Eno’s defection to the ruling APC.
Addressing Journalists regarding his presence on the ceremony on Tuesday in his Eket, the elder statesman debunked the declare, explaining that he was on the defection floor in solidarity with the governor who, in line with him, is vested with the constitutional rights to take choices finest on his private curiosity.
He mentioned: “The occasion, which I attended in solidarity with the governor as an elder statesman and an indigene of Akwa Ibom State, has led to a number of misrepresentations within the media and on social platforms. Some have falsely claimed that I’ve joined the APC.
“Let me state with out ambiguity: I’ve not defected from any celebration to a different. My attendance on the occasion was not a declaration of political affiliation, however an indication of assist for the governor, who has proven a uncommon degree of maturity and inclusiveness in governance.
“Since my determination to not contest for any elective workplace on the age of 70 in 2014, I’ve chosen to operate purely as an elder statesman—providing recommendation, selling peace, and standing for what’s simply and equitable in our state and nation.
“Let me additionally make it abundantly clear that governor Umo Eno’s defection is his private political determination, backed by his constitutional proper and knowledgeable by what he should have thought-about the long-term pursuits of the state.
“It’s not my place to query his proper to reposition himself politically. Probably the most cogent purpose for his defection is the lingering uncertainty over the way forward for the PDP in a self-inflicted debacle by means of years of impunity and lack of inside democracy within the celebration.”
He added that, “Seeing the never-ending nature of the controversy, the governor has taken the appropriate determination to safe his subsequent election in a celebration platform that’s comparatively steady, for now, on the nationwide degree. Becoming a member of the APC naturally takes him to work with the federal government on the centre with envisaged ancillary advantages. It’s my want that his hopes be fulfilled on this regards.”
Essien nevertheless faulted the choice of the governor to coerce members of the state, Nationwide Meeting and Chairmen of LGAs, saying it calls into query the sincerity of the governor’s dedication to inclusiveness and political tolerance.
“These elected officers are working on a separate and impartial mandate, and must be free to take their determination.
“Let me additionally spotlight that even earlier than his defection, the governor had proven an admirable degree of maturity in navigating celebration strains. He supported the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the APC for a second time period, regardless of being a PDP governor.
“These actions, whereas controversial to some, have been calculated to make sure peace, stability, and strategic alignment for the good thing about the state.”
“Sadly, such magnanimity has not been reciprocated by the Senate President or his political equipment. Appointments, empowerment programmes, and political alternatives have remained unique to APC loyalists, leaving out PDP members and even those that have chosen neutrality for the sake of peace.
“This lack of inclusion has continued regardless of the governor’s overt gestures of goodwill and cooperation.
In distinction, Governor Umo Eno has empowered residents throughout celebration strains, ensured that appointments mirror the state’s range, and resisted the temptation to weaponise authorities towards perceived opponents. That’s commendable.
“However the present strikes to exclude or sideline those that refuse to defect with him may erode that legacy of equity and compromise.
“The assist for Senator Akpabio, in his place as Senate President and quantity three man, is most commendable.
“It’s not usually that this place involves any state for an extended whereas. It has taken 40 years for it to return again to the South-South. Teaming up with the Senate President in his celebration will generate respect and strengthen his place within the APC and in authorities,” he mentioned.
He appealed to all political actors, supporters, and the general public to decrease the temperature. “Allow us to not destroy our state’s hard-earned peace by means of pointless provocations. These in authorities ought to respect each other’s convictions and rights, simply as we count on the broader political system to respect the governor’s decisions.”
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