Akwa Ibom National Assembly caucus endorses Umo Eno, gov’s anointed candidate

• Eno justifies kneeling for Udom Emmanuel

Akwa Ibom State caucus in the National Assembly, yesterday, adopted and endorsed Pastor Umo Eno as their sole candidate for the May 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship election.

In a motion moved by the member representing Itu/Ibiono Federal Constituency, Dr. Henry Archibong, and seconded by the member representing Ikot Ekpene Federal Constituency, Nsikak Ekong, the lawmakers said their decision to support Umo Eno is premised on his integrity, entrepreneurial accomplishments and strong belief in inter-governmental collaboration and partnership to complete ongoing projects of Governor Udom Emmanuel and sustain the much needed peace and serenity in Akwa Ibom State.

The parley saw 10 out of the 13 members of the caucus in attendance and witnessed by frontline politicians and former lawmakers of Akwa Ibom origin, including Senator Effiong Bob, Senator Ibok Essien and Senator Aloysius Etok, among others. Senator Chris Ekpenyong, a serving senator, who was indisposed, sent his goodwill and solidarity message through Senator Eyakenyi.

Addressing the caucus, Eno thanked the lawmakers for their support and solidarity, stating that his emergence as the preferred successor is nothing but a product of God’s grace and not his political strength and know-how.

MEANWHILE, Eno, yesterday, justified kneeling before governor Udom Emmanuel. He said he would kneel for the governor again and again because Emmanuel is his elder brother.

Responding to journalists at the PDP’s national secretariat in Abuja where he had gone to obtain his governorship nomination form, Eno said he became used to the kneeling culture having been brought up in Yorubaland.

He also spoke of the support from the people of Akwa-Ibom for his ambition adding that the support of the people of the state would spur him to victory at the poll.

Eno dismissed insinuations that his endorsement by Governor Udom Emmanuel would make the race for the ticket difficult for other aspirants.

He said: “When people believe in your vision, believe in your aspiration, they will endorse it. That goes to show you the level of support, the level of belief and trust that the people have openly expressed. They have already seen and believe in what has happened.”