The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticized a recent statement issued by a faction of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), describing the group’s comments about Governor Umo Eno as inappropriate and reflective of internal tensions within the faction.
In a release signed by the APC State Publicity Secretary, Barrister Otoabasi E. Udo, the party said the PDP faction’s communication, authored by spokesperson Ewa Okpo, contained what it considered jaundice, disrespectful language and misinterpretations targeted at the Governor.
The APC argued that government appointees are expected to align with the policy direction of the administration they serve, questioning how individuals could hold public office, while working against the political orientation of the government.
The party challenged the faction to cite any government state or federal, where open opposition from appointees is tolerated.
The statement also addressed complaints by the PDP faction that, some appointees who attended its parallel national convention in Ibadan were relieved of their duties.
According to the APC, public offices should not be used to advance the interests of opposing political groups.
Rather than uniting its structures and resolving what the APC described as ongoing litigations, internal divisions, and parallel leadership claims, the party accused the faction of directing its frustrations toward Governor Eno.
The APC maintained that, Governor Eno had only sought to maintain order and uphold the political direction of his administration.
The APC further faulted the factional PDP’s use of religious references in its criticism of the Governor, calling it inappropriate and potentially offensive to the Christian community in the state, nothing that, public communication should be guided by decorum and respect.
Defending Governor Eno, the APC said the Governor had shown inclusiveness across party lines, political maturity, and focus on governance even more than the PDP when It held sway in the state, and dismissing allegations of persecution.
The APC Spokesman stated that, the Governor’s expectation of loyalty and discipline from appointees was in line with standard governance principles, and advised the factional PDP to pursue internal reconciliation and organisational clarity before issuing statements that, in its view, contribute more to political tension than constructive engagement.
“Akwa Ibom people understand the difference between leadership and noise. Go and learn constructive criticism, not insult and disrespect”, the statement concluded.
