The Digest:
Tension has gripped Akwa Ibom State following the sudden withdrawal of all police security details attached to former Governor Udom Emmanuel, fueling speculation of a deepening rift between him and his successor, Governor Umo Eno. While the state government denies involvement, describing the reports as “fabricated,” the former governor’s aide confirmed the withdrawal, raising questions about political motivations ahead of the 2027 elections.
Key Points:
- Police security details withdrawn from ex-Governor Udom Emmanuel’s residences
- Akwa Ibom government denies ordering withdrawal, calls report “false and misleading”
- Move fuels speculation of rift between Governor Umo Eno and his political godfather
- Former governor’s aide confirms security withdrawal but can’t identify who ordered it
- PDP groups describe the action as politically motivated to weaken opposition
- Udom Emmanuel remains in PDP, while Governor Eno defected to APC
- Incident occurs amid rebuilding efforts for PDP ahead of 2027 elections
- Commissioner claims police deployment is exclusive responsibility of the police hierarchy
- Withdrawal is seen as a potential coercion tactic to force the former governor into the APC
- Security removal violates standard protocol for former governors’ protection
- Political tension escalates in the oil-rich Niger Delta state
- Both camps issue conflicting statements about the controversial development
Sources: Daily Post Nigeria
