Political Tensions Soar in Akwa Ibom as Ex-Governor Emmanuel’s Security is Withdrawn

Political observers in Akwa Ibom State are keenly watching a rising tide of tension after the security details attached to former Governor Udom Emmanuel were withdrawn over the weekend, a development that follows his successor, Governor Umo Eno’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The incident has intensified speculation about a significant rift between the two political figures, who were once mentor and mentee.

Dependable NG reports that checks confirm that policemen attached to the two residences of the former governor in Akwa Ibom have been recalled. This removal of security personnel has generated mixed reactions across the state, with some political analysts suggesting the action is a validation that the relationship between Governor Eno and his predecessor, Mr. Emmanuel, has severely deteriorated. Many within the state’s political landscape are pointing fingers at the APC-led State government, suggesting the move is a pressure tactic designed to coerce the former governor into joining the ruling party or to cripple his political influence.

The backstory to this political drama lies in the recent shift of power dynamics. Mr. Udom Emmanuel served as the political godfather to the incumbent, Umo Eno, playing a crucial role in his 2023 victory under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) banner. However, that loyal relationship appears to have waned considerably since Governor Eno defected to the APC. In contrast, his political mentor, Mr. Emmanuel, has remained steadfast in his commitment, pledging unalloyed loyalty to the PDP and reportedly working toward rebuilding the party ahead of the critical 2027 elections. This stance by the ex-governor is widely viewed as a direct threat to the current APC state government, potentially fueling a political motive behind the security withdrawal.

The Akwa Ibom State Government, through its Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, was quick to distance itself from the incident. In a press briefing, the Commissioner described the media reports alleging a government directive for the withdrawal as false and misleading fabrication intended only to misguide the public. He emphasized that the deployment, reassignment, or withdrawal of police officers is the exclusive responsibility of the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police in the State, and not the duty of any Governor. “I can tell you on good authority that the Governor did not issue any directive to withdraw security operatives from the immediate past Governor,” Mr. Umanah stated, adding that all former governors are legally entitled to and continue to enjoy their approved security details. He concluded by urging the public to disregard what he termed “baseless propaganda.”

However, the official denial is complicated by confirmation from the former governor’s camp. Barrister Steve Abia, the Special Assistant to Mr. Emmanuel, confirmed that the security details attached to his principal have indeed been withdrawn. While he could not specify who issued the order, he asserted, “The reality on ground is that if you go to the Ex-governor’s houses right now, there are no police security men, that is the truth.”

The political temperature was further raised by the PDP Advocates for Peace and Justice, a pro-PDP group. The group’s Chairman, Dr. Tom FredFish, in a telephone conversation, described the entire incident as overtly politically motivated and a clear ploy to subdue the former governor. Dr. FredFish questioned the State government’s denial, noting that a security withdrawal of this magnitude, targeting a former governor, implies a breakdown in the relationship with his successor. He further warned that attempts “to kill the PDP” and “pocket” the party in the state will not succeed, advising the government to instead focus its attention on matters of governance. The unfolding events indicate a period of heightened political maneuvering in Akwa Ibom as the fallout from the party defections continues to shape the state’s political future.