Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has reaffirmed his respect for his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, saying he will not disrespect him or other former leaders of the state.
Eno made the clarification amid reports and public discussions over the relationship between him and Emmanuel, with the governor maintaining that political differences would not affect his regard for his predecessor.
The governor’s comments were reported on Sunday, September 27, 2026, following remarks in which he addressed what he described as a misunderstanding of an earlier statement.
Eno Says He Will Not Disrespect Past Leaders
Eno said his upbringing and personal orientation toward respecting elders and past leaders would continue to guide his relationship with former governors of Akwa Ibom.
He specifically mentioned Emmanuel, his immediate predecessor, while also extending the position to other former leaders of the state.
The governor’s latest comments come days after he dismissed suggestions of a serious disagreement between him and Emmanuel.
On September 21, while commissioning road infrastructure in Awa, Onna Local Government Area, Emmanuel’s home community, Eno said political differences would not prevent him from maintaining a relationship with his predecessor.
Channels Television reported that Eno described Emmanuel as his “political father” and said he would continue to respect and work with him.
Statement Followed Earlier Clarification
The issue gained attention after comments by the governor were interpreted by some as disrespectful toward previous leaders.
Eno has rejected that interpretation, explaining that his position was to acknowledge the contributions of past governors rather than denigrate them.
In his September 23 broadcast marking the 39th anniversary of Akwa Ibom State, the governor also paid tribute to former governors and said their contributions to the state’s development should be recognised.
The official Akwa Ibom State Government publication of the broadcast records Eno as saying past governors should be respected rather than have their legacies disrespected or castigated.
That position provides additional context for his latest clarification concerning Emmanuel and other former leaders.
Relationship With Udom Emmanuel
The relationship between Eno and Emmanuel has attracted attention in Akwa Ibom political circles, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
However, Eno has publicly rejected claims that political differences have created a major rift between them.
During the September 21 commissioning ceremony in Awa, he said some individuals were attempting to create division between him and Emmanuel through false or unsubstantiated claims.
The project itself had particular significance because Awa is Emmanuel’s home community. Eno said he personally chose to commission the project as a demonstration of respect for his predecessor.
The commissioned infrastructure comprises 14.8 kilometres of internal roads and spurs, together with 1.9 kilometres of discharge drains.
Road Project Adds Context
The Awa project also illustrates the continued connection between the administrations of Emmanuel and Eno in terms of infrastructure development.
According to Punch, the road project was initiated under Emmanuel and completed under Eno’s administration. The newspaper reported that Eno described its commissioning as an expression of respect for his predecessor and said development should not be restricted by political differences.
The state government has also continued to highlight the contributions of previous administrations as part of Akwa Ibom’s broader development history.
In his anniversary broadcast, Eno acknowledged past governors and other groups that contributed to the state’s development while outlining his administration’s own plans under the ARISE Agenda.
Why the Clarification Matters
The governor’s comments are significant because political relationships between current and former officeholders can influence public understanding of governance and political developments, particularly ahead of an election cycle.
In this case, Eno’s repeated public statements indicate that he wants his relationship with Emmanuel to be understood as one based on continued respect despite possible political differences.
At the same time, claims about disagreements between political figures should be distinguished from statements that have been publicly confirmed by the individuals involved.
Eno has publicly rejected suggestions of a serious rift and has repeatedly described Emmanuel in respectful terms.
There is also a documented record of Eno acknowledging Emmanuel’s contributions to the state. In July, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation reported that Eno dedicated an African Leadership in People-Centric Governance award to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Emmanuel, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and members of his State Executive Council.
What Happens Next
Eno’s latest clarification is likely to keep attention focused on the relationship between the governor and his predecessor as political activity builds toward the 2027 general elections.
For now, the governor’s publicly stated position is that he will continue to respect Emmanuel and other former leaders of Akwa Ibom.
Any future claims of disagreement between the two politicians will need to be assessed against their public statements and independently verifiable developments.
The governor has also continued to emphasise peace, unity and respect for past leaders as part of his broader message to Akwa Ibom residents. The state government recently reported that Eno urged traditional rulers to promote peace and unity across the state.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- Akwa Ibom State Government — Governor Umo Eno’s 39th anniversary broadcast.
- Channels Television — Report on Eno’s relationship with Udom Emmanuel.
- Punch — Report on the commissioning of the Awa road project.
- The Sun — Report on Eno’s pledge to respect Emmanuel and past leaders.
- Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation — Report on Eno’s African leadership award.
