… Declare total war against Gov. Eno, Akpabio over succession plan.
By Our Reporter
The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, has openly declared his ambition to succeed Governor Pastor Umo Eno, issuing a strong warning to both the governor and the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, over any succession arrangement that will excludes him.
Otong made the declaration at his residence in Abak Local Government Area during a visit by members of a political group known as IGDI, who were present to celebrate his birthday.
According to the Speaker, he would resist any attempt by Governor Eno and Senator Akpabio to impose Rt. Hon. Unyime Idem as the next governor of Akwa Ibom State. He insisted that Abak Local Government Area was not destined to produce a senator but a governor and that he is the one prepared for that position after Gov. Eno.
Speaking to the gathering, Otong claimed that Governor Eno openly supported his emergence as Speaker in 2023 and promised to grant him the party’s ticket to return to the State Assembly in 2025, a move he said would position him to succeed the governor at the end of his tenure in 2025.
“I was on my own when the governor picked me as Speaker in 2023 and promised to give me the ticket again in 2025 so I can remain Speaker and be well positioned to succeed him,” Otong said.
He further boasted of his political strength, recalling his victories in previous elections.
“Election is a contest. I contested in 2019 with everyone and won. They contested against me again in 2023 from all clans, and I defeated them. They will always contest, from Afahaobong clan, midim clan and even Abak clan but I will always win,” he stated.
Otong dismissed claims that they said he’s the only one contesting from Abak urban. How can anyone contest from Abak urban, arguing that his position as Speaker makes him the natural political leader of the area. “Why should anyone contest from Abak clan when I am here as the number three citizen of the state?” he asked.
The Speaker also claimed that his ticket to the State Assembly for the next election cycle was already secured. “Allow them to make noise. What matters is that the ticket is already in my pocket,” he said confidently.
Clarifying the circumstances of the gathering, Otong explained that the birthday celebration was organized by his three sons and his wife without his direct involvement. He expressed gratitude to the visitors for their support and reassured them of his continued political relevance in Abak and the state at large.
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