Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has dismissed renewed speculation of a disagreement between him and his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, insisting that he has no problem with the former governor and continues to hold him in high regard.
Eno made the clarification while speaking at the second memorial service held in honour of his late wife and former First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Patience Eno, at All Nations Christian Ministry International in Eket.
The governor said his relationship with Emmanuel remained cordial and maintained that his upbringing and personal values would not allow him to disrespect those who occupied the office before him.
Eno described respect for his predecessors as part of his orientation and said he had consistently demonstrated his regard for Emmanuel both publicly and privately.
He also sought to put to rest speculation surrounding comments he recently made during the commissioning of a 14.8-kilometre road in Onna Local Government Area.
The governor explained that remarks he made in response to a request concerning the abandoned syringe factory and flour mill in the area were directed at the owners of the businesses and were not intended as a reference to Emmanuel.
According to Eno, the state government had no ownership interest in the businesses and therefore could not simply intervene in their operations without being invited or without the appropriate process being followed.
He said the issue arose after the Paramount Ruler of the area appealed to him to assist with efforts to revive the two industrial facilities.
Eno said he advised that any challenges affecting the businesses should be formally communicated to the relevant government authorities so that the appropriate steps could be taken.
The governor stressed that he had never associated Emmanuel with the matter.
He explained that Emmanuel was not a shareholder in the businesses and therefore had no connection to the particular issue being discussed.
Eno’s clarification was aimed at ending interpretations that his comments at the road commissioning event were directed at his predecessor.
The governor said the project itself was an occasion to recognise the work of the previous administration because the road being commissioned was a project initiated under Emmanuel’s tenure.
He described the completion of a project inherited from his predecessor as something worthy of appreciation rather than a reason for political disagreement.
The statement is significant because Eno and Emmanuel have continued to attract public attention over their political relationship, particularly following Eno’s decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party for the All Progressives Congress.
Eno had previously rejected suggestions that the party switch had damaged his relationship with Emmanuel.
He has continued to describe the former governor as his political father and has urged residents to disregard narratives that could create divisions among political leaders and communities in the state.
The governor’s latest comments reinforce that position.
He said his relationship with past leaders should not be interpreted through the lens of political party differences.
Eno also urged young people in the state to understand that leadership comes with challenges and that political disagreements should not be allowed to destroy peace and unity.
The governor’s comments come at a time when political alignments in Akwa Ibom have continued to generate discussion ahead of the 2027 elections.
His defection to the APC has altered the state’s political landscape, given that the governor previously governed under the PDP platform.
Emmanuel, who served as governor before Eno, was also associated with the PDP administration that produced Eno as his successor.
Despite the change in party affiliation, Eno has repeatedly maintained that his personal relationship with Emmanuel remains intact.
The governor’s position is that political differences do not automatically translate into personal disagreements.
He has also used previous public appearances to discourage supporters from creating divisions between him and his predecessor.
The issue surrounding the syringe factory and flour mill has nevertheless generated interest because both facilities have been subjects of discussion about industrial development and the state’s efforts to revive dormant investments.
The governor’s explanation indicates that the state government is willing to engage with the owners of the facilities if there are requests for assistance, but that government intervention must follow proper channels.
Eno said the government could not simply take over or interfere in private businesses without the involvement of their owners.
He therefore clarified that his remarks should not be interpreted as an attack on Emmanuel or as an attempt to distance his administration from projects initiated by the former governor.
The governor has repeatedly presented continuity as an important part of his administration’s approach to governance.
The completion of inherited projects has featured prominently in his administration’s development narrative, with Eno frequently highlighting projects started by previous administrations.
His latest comments suggest that he considers the continuation of useful projects to be part of responsible governance rather than an indication of political weakness.
Eno also used the memorial service to reflect on his late wife’s contribution to his family and the state.
He described Patience Eno as a woman whose influence extended beyond her immediate family and said her legacy would continue through the people she touched during her lifetime.
The governor recalled the couple’s four decades of marriage and described their relationship as one built on companionship, friendship, love, trust and shared faith.
The memorial also featured the unveiling of a book written by their daughter, Lady Helen Eno-Obareki, titled The Patience to Build: Lessons from My Mother.
The book documents memories and lessons from the life of the late First Lady and highlights her role within the family.
Members of the family, political leaders, religious figures and other guests also paid tribute to Patience Eno during the service.
The memorial gathering provided the setting for the governor’s renewed clarification about his relationship with Emmanuel.
Eno said he would continue to respect his predecessors and rejected the idea that political changes should erase relationships built over many years.
His comments also reflect his broader appeal for political stability in Akwa Ibom.
The governor has repeatedly urged residents to avoid actions or narratives capable of creating unnecessary tension within the state.
For Eno, political competition should not be allowed to undermine the development of Akwa Ibom or damage relationships between people who have previously worked together.
The governor’s latest declaration therefore seeks to separate political differences from personal relationships.
While his move to the APC has changed the political equation in the state, Eno maintains that it has not created a personal conflict between him and Emmanuel.
He has also sought to make clear that statements made during official events should be understood within their proper context rather than interpreted as indirect attacks on former political leaders.
The clarification over the Onna industrial facilities is part of that effort.
Eno insists that his comments were directed at the owners of the businesses and the need for proper communication between private investors and government agencies.
He said Emmanuel was not in his mind when he made the remarks and had no connection to the ownership of the businesses under discussion.
The governor’s position echoes his earlier public statements that there is no fallout between him and his predecessor despite their different political circumstances.
For residents following the state’s political developments, the latest clarification may help draw a distinction between genuine policy disagreements and speculation generated by comments made during public events.
As political activity continues to increase ahead of 2027, relationships between past and present political leaders are likely to remain a subject of public interest.
For now, however, Eno has again stated that he has no personal problem with Emmanuel and that his respect for the former governor remains unchanged.
He has also made clear that his administration will continue to pursue projects inherited from previous governments where they are considered beneficial to the people, while insisting that private businesses must be handled through appropriate channels.
The governor’s message is ultimately one of continuity, respect and political stability, even as Akwa Ibom’s political landscape continues to evolve.
