The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress.

He made this known during an official announcement on Friday at the Government House in Uyo, the state capital.

The governor said the decision followed “three months of wide consultation” with critical stakeholders across the state.

READ ALSO: Governor Eno Endorsed For Second Term As He Doubles Ward PAs’ Salary To N500,000

Eno expressed his gratitude to the PDP for their support during his tenure, stating that it was time for him to make a progressive move.

The governor said he decided to join the APC, citing his admiration for President Bola Tinubu and the need for Akwa Ibom State to align with the federal government to reap continuous benefits.

Eno also assured the people of Akwa Ibom State that he would continue to work tirelessly for their benefit, regardless of party affiliation.

He said, “After completing the rounds of my consultation as your servant whom you have elected to serve, I have therefore decided to progressively move to the APC.

READ ALSO: Governor Eno Endorsed For Second Term As He Doubles Ward PAs’ Salary To N500,000

”We’re joining the APC today in the state interest and because of our critical admiration and respect for President Tinubu and to provide the needed support for Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

”We are not joing the APC from the position of weakness but from the position of strength and alive. We are joining the APC out of a need to align our state with the center.”

Some of the APC Governors who attended the event included the Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma; Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo) and Bassey Otu (Cross River), among others.

Group known as Ijaw People’s Development Initiative, IPDI, has urged the public to disregard the reports making the rounds that there’s an existing rift between the administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr Dennis Otuaro and Amayanabo of Ochochri kingdom in Rivers State, HRM Ateke Tom.

Recall, some unverified online media platforms reprted that the Amayanabo of Ochochri Kingdom, HRM Ateke Tom had a serious confrontation with the PAP boss, Otuaro during his (Ateke) birthday ceremony.

But in a statement, president of the group, Comrade Austin Ozobo said Otuaro didn’t face any confrontation from the Amayanabo, saying that both leaders had a good times during the birthday ceremony.

Ozobo maintained that Otuaro has been doing an exceptional job in managing the programme and ensuring that the objectives of peace and development in the Niger Delta region are achieved.

READ ALSO: Amnesty Boss, Otuaro, Pledges Inclusive Programme For Niger Delta Communities

He added that Otuaro was working hard to ensure the stipends of ex-agitators are increased, and impacted communities are considered for the programme.

The group urged the general public to disregard such unverified reports and focus on the positive impacts Otuaro is making in the Niger Delta region through the PAP, noting the importance to support Otuaro in his efforts to bring about lasting peace and development in the region.

Ozobo appealed to leaders, stakeholders and ex-agitators not to allow those he referred to as the enemies of the Niger Delta to create divisions and hinder the progress that was being made by Otuaro.

Ozobo added, “Rumors of a rift between Otuaro and Ateke Tom, a prominent ex-agitator and a traditional ruler, are baseless and unfounded. These rumors are being spread by people with malicious intentions who are trying to create a rift between the two leaders. Otuaro and Ateke Tom have a cordial relationship and have been working together towards the development of the Niger Delta.”

The group further emphasised, “Otuaro’s performance as the administrator of PAP has been unbeatable. Under his leadership, the programme has been able to successfully reintegrate ex-agitators into society, providing them with education and vocational training, and empowering them to become self-sufficient.

READ ALSO: King Ateke Breaks Silence On Rumoured Clash With PAP Boss, Otuaro

“This has contributed to the reduction of crime and violence in the region, leading to a more peaceful and stable environment for economic growth and development.

“Unfortunately, there are enemies of the Niger Delta who are not happy with the progress being made under Otuaro’s leadership. These enemies are trying to manipulate him to serve their own selfish interests, and when he refused to comply, they resorted to fabricating false reports about a rift with Ateke Tom.

“It is important to disregard these reports and focus on the positive impact that Otuaro and the PAP are making in the Niger Delta region. It is also important to support Otuaro in his efforts to bring about lasting peace and development in the region. 

“Let us not allow the enemies of the Niger Delta to create divisions and hinder the progress that is being made” Ozobo said.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Bauchi state has deployed 820 personnel and commenced ‘operation Eid-el-kabir’ to ensure a hitch-free celebration.

Mr Istifanus Ibrahim, the Sector Commander of FRSC in the state, stated this in an interview with newsmen on Thursday.

According to him, the personnel includes both regular and special marshals, adding that they had been deployed to strategic locations and praying grounds for traffic control.

He explained that the corps also deployed 18 patrol vehicles, five ambulances, six tow trucks to strategic locations across the state for enforcement, traffic control, rescue services and clearing of anticipated road obstruction during the Sallah celebrations.

READ ALSO: Yuletide: FRSC Deploys 890 Personnel In Bauchi

“The command will ensure zero road traffic crash, prompt clearance of obstructions and ensure free flow of traffic due to the anticipated high volume of human and vehicular traffic during the period.

“In order to achieve effective compliance to road traffic rules throughout the period, FRSC Bauchi will carry out mobile court sittings, public enlightenment in motor parks, Mosques, Churches and on media platforms,” he said.

Ibrahim further reiterated the need for all Stakeholders to work together to reduce road traffic crashes on the roads.

The Sector Commander, who explained that the ‘Operation Eid-el-kabir’ commenced on Thursday, 5th of June, added that it would last till 11th of June, 2025.