Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno

Uyo — Despite verifiable evidence, the Akwa Ibom State Government has dismissed as “rumour” the reported withdrawal of police operatives attached to former Governor Udom Emmanuel’s residences in Uyo and Onna.

Withdrawal Order Confirmed

According to the report, the order for the withdrawal, dated 30 September, was signed by Ekwo Godwin, an assistant superintendent of police, on behalf of the Chief Security Officer at the Government House. The directive instructed operatives attached to Mr Emmanuel’s homes in Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, and Awa Iman, Onna Local Government Area, to vacate the premises and report to the state police headquarters for debriefing.

When visited by reporters on 5 and 6 October, no police operatives were found at either of the former governor’s residences, confirming the withdrawal. Some community youths in Onna have since stepped in to protect the ex-governor’s property.

Government Denial Amid Contradictions

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, the Akwa Ibom government dismissed the report, insisting there had been no withdrawal.

“To the best of our knowledge, there has been no complaint or report from any former governor or their media aides about the withdrawal of security personnel. The rumour exists only in the imagination of those peddling it,” Mr Umanah said.

However, in the same statement, the commissioner indirectly acknowledged that such withdrawals could occur, noting that only the Inspector-General of Police or the State Commissioner of Police has authority to reassign or withdraw operatives.

Mr Emmanuel’s spokesperson, Steve Abia, contradicted the government’s position, confirming that the withdrawal had indeed occurred.

“The reality on the ground is that if you go to the ex-governor’s residence right now, there are no police security men — that’s the truth,” he told Punch on Monday.

Police Deployed Elsewhere

During on-the-ground visits, reporters observed police operatives providing security at The Signature By Royalty Hotel, a property owned by Governor Eno, located just a few metres from Mr Emmanuel’s Uyo residence. Officers were also seen guarding Younik Supermarket, owned by the wife of an influential contractor, Uwem Okoko, whose firm, Hensek Integrated Services Ltd, handles major road construction projects for the state.

Political Feud Escalates

The feud between Governor Umo Eno and former Governor Udom Emmanuel, once allies, has escalated since Mr Eno’s defection to the APC in June 2024. His defection ended the PDP’s 25-year control of Akwa Ibom and reportedly strained his relationship with Mr Emmanuel, who now leads a faction seeking to regain control of the PDP structure in the state.

In a leaked video earlier this year, Mr Eno vowed not to allow “outsiders” to hijack the PDP, insisting he would maintain influence within both political camps. The remark led to tensions with journalists and the temporary eviction of Channels Television reporters from the Government House.

Last week, the PDP National Working Committee dissolved the party’s state executive council and installed a caretaker committee, apparently to check the governor’s control.

The political tension deepened when one of the governor’s aides, Ndianaabasi Udom, resigned from his position to join the new PDP caretaker committee. Within 48 hours, Governor Eno dissolved all statutory and non-statutory boards and commissions in the state, prompting an online wave of loyalty declarations from aides and party members.

Speaking upon his return from Abuja last Friday, Governor Eno reaffirmed his allegiance to the ruling party:

Outlook

The withdrawal of Mr. Emmanuel’s security details, despite official denials, marks a deepening crack in Akwa Ibom’s evolving political landscape, one that could reshape alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.