Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno has given insight into his reasons for defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Eno revealed that he was inspired by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s track record of achievements over the years to change his party.
The governor stated this while delivering his defection speech, stressing that he has always admired Tinubu right from his days as Governor during which he transformed Lagos State to the Centre of Excellence.
According to him, President Tinubu has displayed rare courage in confronting the Nation’s daunting economic challenges and taking tough decisions to reposition the country on the path of economic development.
He noted that his defection to the APC was a gift to Tinubu and a fulfilment of the need to support him to finish the huge task of national re-awakening and economic renewal the President has started.
He also expressed absolute trust in the leadership of the APC-led federal government led by President Tinubu.
Eno said, “President Tinubu, GCFR, has possibly, in recent history of this Nation, faced the most daunting economic challenges of any leader. With boldness and deep convictions, he has stared these challenging moments head-on and came up with solutions that, though in the immediate aftermath is tough for Nigerians, but however, are beginning to bear long-lasting and sustainable effects.
“The removal of petrol subsidy, though a hard decision, has brought more funds to subnational entities to pursue audacious projects that are positively affecting the lives of their people. Akwa Ibom State today, is more of a constructing site with many life-touching projects across the 31 Local Governments Areas.
“The economic fog is becoming clearer, the confidence in our economy is growing and we need to support him to finish this huge task of national re-awakening and economic renewal.
“It is a known fact that, I have never hidden my admiration for the President and his patriotic devotion to national renewal which he is engendering today
“As a young professional working in Lagos while he was the Governor, I was amazed and fascinated by the manner he ran Lagos, and had, with focus and vision, raised the profile of Lagos State to become a leading Subnational in the country, while facing daunting challenges.
“To those who may be concerned by this Progressive movement, I want to assure you that I have received enormous assurances of support and seamless integration from our dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godwill Akpabio, GCON, and the Progressive Governors’ Forum.
“Those who know our dear President will attest to the fact that his words are his bond. This movement, falling on a day that we mark Sallah, is our own gift to our President and it has divine connotation,” he added.
Governor Eno pledged to run a bipartisan government built around the Renewed Hope Agenda and the ARISE Agenda of the federal and state governments respectively.
“Why am I in the APC, you may ask? The answer is short and simple: Enlightened State Interest predicated on the need to align our State with the Centre to attract more Federal presence.
“Let us strategically Arise together, to the promise of a better, more inclusive, stronger and united Akwa Ibom State that is aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR led-Federal Government,” he explained..
