"They Want to Silence HimÔÇØ: PDP Reacts as Udom Emmanuel Loses Security

... "They Want to Break PDP and Force Udom into APCÔÇØ - Pro-PDP Group Alleges as Akwa Ibom Govt Denies Involvement

There is growing tension in Akwa Ibom State following the sudden withdrawal of police security details attached to the immediate past governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, sparking outrage and speculation about a deepening political rift between the former governor and his successor, Governor Umo Eno.

The development, which reportedly took place over the weekend, has ignited a storm of controversy as all policemen stationed at Emmanuel's private residences in Uyo and Onna were recalled without explanation.

While the Akwa Ibom State Government has swiftly distanced itself from the incident, describing the report as "false and misleading,ÔÇØ many in the political circle believe the move is not unconnected to the lingering tension between both leaders - a relationship that has allegedly soured since Governor Eno's defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

A pro-PDP group under the aegis of PDP Advocates for Peace and Justice has accused the APC-led state government of attempting to humiliate and weaken the former governor, who remains loyal to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking with newsmen, the group's chairman, Dr. Tom FredFish, described the incident as "a clear case of political intimidation and a ploy to cripple the PDP in Akwa Ibom.ÔÇØ

"If the state government claims ignorance of who withdrew the ex-governor's security, what does that tell you? It's either an internal setup or a calculated move to break Udom Emmanuel's resistance to join APC,ÔÇØ FredFish alleged.

He further accused the ruling party of using state machinery to silence opposition voices and destabilize the PDP ahead of the 2027 elections.

However, in a press briefing, the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Aniekan Umana, dismissed the claims as "baseless propaganda,ÔÇØ stressing that the deployment or withdrawal of police officers is not within the powers of the governor.

"The deployment, reassignment, or withdrawal of police officers is the exclusive responsibility of the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police in each State,ÔÇØ Umana clarified.

He maintained that all former governors in Akwa Ibom continue to enjoy their security details as approved by law and insisted that Governor Umo Eno remains committed to peace and unity in the state.

Contrary to the government's denial, the former governor's camp confirmed the withdrawal.

Speaking, Barr. Steve Abia, Special Assistant to Udom Emmanuel, stated plainly:

"The reality is that there are no police officers at the ex-governor's houses right now. That's the truth. Who gave the order is what I can't confirm.ÔÇØ

The silence from the police authorities has only deepened suspicion, with analysts warning that such a move could escalate political tensions in the oil-rich state.

Political observers say the incident could mark the beginning of a full-blown political cold war between Governor Eno and his predecessor.

Udom Emmanuel, who played a decisive role in ensuring Eno's emergence as governor under the PDP in 2023, has reportedly refused to defect to the APC despite pressure from key political actors in the state.

Analysts argue that Emmanuel's decision to remain in PDP and work toward rebuilding the party may have unsettled the ruling camp - leading to attempts to politically isolate him.

Meanwhile, the former governor Udom has maintained a studied silence, fueling speculations that the power play within the Akwa Ibom political structure could deepen in the coming months.