…sources confirmed that all police officers previously assigned to Udom Emmanuel’s two residences in Akwa Ibom were quietly recalled.
UYO, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | The political atmosphere in Akwa Ibom State has grown increasingly tense amid reports that security operatives attached to the immediate past governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, have been withdrawn from his private residences.
The development, which has sparked speculation of an escalating rift between Mr. Emmanuel and his successor, Governor Umo Eno, comes weeks after the latter defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Governor Eno’s realignment with national figures in the APC, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has reportedly strained his relationship with his predecessor, who remains a staunch PDP loyalist.
Over the weekend, sources confirmed that all police officers previously assigned to Udom Emmanuel’s two residences in Akwa Ibom were quietly recalled, leaving the former governor without state security presence.
Confirming the situation, Barrister Steve Abia, Special Assistant to Udom Emmanuel, said:
“The reality on ground is that if you go to the ex-governor’s houses right now, there are no police security men – that is the truth. Who withdrew the security personnel is what I cannot make any statement on. If you have time, we can go there and see for yourself.”
The withdrawal has been interpreted by some observers as a pressure tactic to compel the former governor to abandon the PDP and join the APC, especially as tensions rise ahead of future political realignments in the South-South.
However, the Akwa Ibom State Government has denied any role in the decision. Addressing journalists, the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Aniekan Umana, described the reports as “false and misleading.”
“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, and not the duty of any Governor,” Umana said.
“I can tell you on good authority that the Governor did not issue any directive to withdraw security operatives from the immediate past Governor.”
Despite the government’s denial, the silence from the police authorities has done little to ease speculation. As of press time, neither the Nigeria Police Force nor the Akwa Ibom State Command has issued a statement clarifying the reasons behind the recall of the security personnel.
Analysts say the unfolding drama signals deeper political tensions in the state, especially as Udom Emmanuel remains a significant power broker within the PDP, while Governor Umo Eno appears to be forging new allegiances with the APC hierarchy.
With no official police explanation yet offered and no reinstatement of security as of this report, the situation continues to raise questions about the safety of the former governor and the undercurrents of power reshuffling within Akwa Ibom’s political landscape.
