Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State appears to be moving closer to actualising his previously rumoured plans of defection. Speaking at a Thanksgiving Service held in his honour at The Apostolic Church, Maboju Assembly in Lagos State, Mr. Eno made a bold statement about his political future, despite not having a clear idea of his next platform.

 

“I don’t know where I’ll be tomorrow, whether PDP, APC, or YPP. These are just for political convenience and enlightened state interest. But it will never define who I am,” the governor said. He promised, however, that his identity as a governor would not change regardless of the party he aligns with in the future. “I will remain a governor connected to the people, regardless of party. I will continue to unite all our parties, regardless of where God will take me to. That is not to say I am going anywhere,” he clarified.

 

As a supplement to his message, Mr. Eno broke into the chorus of a popular Christian hymn, “Oh, the future lies before me,” reflecting a sense of uncertainty about the future, while conveying a sense of faith and optimism. “Oh, the future lies before me, and I know not where I’ll be, but where’er my path be leading, Saviour, keep my heart with thee,” he sang, as the congregation joined in. The hymn, rooted in James 4:14, seemed to serve as a metaphor for his political journey.

In his remarks, he also encouraged the audience to be unafraid of what lies ahead, advising them to understand the signs of the times. “So, there is no need to be scared. Those of you in politics know that there are no two elections that are the same, that people must always understand. We are the children of Issachar. The children of Issachar were given to understanding the times and seasons. And we must clearly understand the time and seasons so that we do not swim against the tide,” he said.

 

His message closed with a spiritual call: “I’d like to stop there, but he that has ears, let him hear what the spirit says to the church.” The phrase is traditionally used to highlight the importance of listening to spiritual truths.

 

Mr. Eno was accompanied to the service by his children, political associates, and entrepreneurs. Reflecting on his long history with the church, he compared his visit to a biblical moment, likening it to the return of Jacob to Bethel, where he gave thanks for God’s guidance and visitation.