At a stakeholders’ meeting on Sunday, former Governor Victor Attah announced Eno as Governor Emmanuel’s preferred choice of successor.
Many stakeholders stormed out of the meeting, which held in Uyo, the state capital, on Sunday.
Emmanuel had severally said he had no anointed candidate for 2023, despite speculations that he had interest in Eno.
It was gathered that the Chairman, House Representatives Committee on Judiciary, Mr Onofiok Luke, was one of those who stormed out of the meeting.
Speaking on the development, Luke said he was not aware of the agenda of the meeting but attended to honour the governor’s invitation.
“I’m not against their endorsement; and I’m not against the elders of the state. But I’m saying the endorsement could have happened after proper consultation.”
“I went to Obong Attah and told him why didn’t you talk to all of us who are in this race? Why didn’t you talk to Sen Bassey Albert? Why didn’t you talk to Akan Udofia? Why didn’t you talk to Akan Okon? Why didn’t you talk to James Iniama? It was Obong Attah that made the presentation, not the governor.
“We would have loved their endorsement but that would have been after due consultation. But whoever they would endorse should be the choice of the majority of people in the state.
“So, for me as Onofiok Akpan Luke, I am in the governorship race. I am going to stand election on the platform of my party, the PDP. I am not part of that endorsement at all.
“But I respect their views; I respect the opinion and choice of the governor. I respect Obong Victor Attah and the opinion of the elders of the state. It is their choice. I only respect their opinion; but I am not in support of what they are doing.
“I was ambushed. I didn’t know the agenda of the meeting but I had to respect the governor and attend the meeting. For thee good times I had raised my hand, seeking to be allowed to speak but I was ignored,” Luke stated.
The absence of the Commissioner for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr Akan Okon, who is also a governorship aspirant, and the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Ini Emembong, at the meeting signaled that the development has triggered a fresh crisis.
Speaking further on his Facebook page, Hon. Luke said he will not back out of the race to succeed Governor Emmanuel in 2023.
He wrote:
"We are Still On Course
"1. Out of respect and as a loyal party man, I honored an innocent invitation from the Governor for a meeting this evening at the lodge;
"2. At the meeting my brother from my local government and Federal Constituency, Pst Umo Eno was presented as the choice of the Governor for succession;
"3. It was at the said meeting that I heard of the agenda and choice for the first time and no one held any discussion with me prior to the meeting;
"4. I am not against the choice of the Governor coming from my local government, Federal Constituency nor the aspiration of my brother;
"5.However, as a fellow aspirant from the same local government at the same advantage when successful, my aspiration to serve the state in the capacity of the Governor remains on course;
"6. This statement would not have been necessary but not for the misrepresentation in media which may create a negative impression about my person and the reputation God has helped me to build these number of years in public service;
"7. My supporters and those sympathetic to my cause should please note that we are as resolute as ever in our desire to give our people purposeful leadership in the office of the Governor come 2023.
"God’s Amazing Grace has always seen us through and will always see us through."
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