Governor Eno says Assembly Leader shares secrets with him

Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has said that the Leader of the State House of Assembly, Otobong Bob, has been giving him information whenever some lawmakers plan a "coup" against him.

Mr Eno shared this on Friday during a constituency briefing organized by Mr Bob, who represents Nsit Ubium State Constituency, which is also the governor's local government area.

"Sometimes he’ll come to me in the night and whisper to me. Most times when they’re planning a coup. He’ll come to me and tell me we should dissolve this coup before it crystallises," the governor said about Mr Bob. Mr Bob's father, Effiong Bob, is a former senator and a prominent politician in the state.

As Mr Eno spoke, Mr Bob, who was standing, pointed to the deputy speaker, KufreAbasi Edidem, making both lawmakers smile. The governor was also seen smiling while making these comments.

But Mr Eno did not explain what the “coups” were or name the lawmakers involved.

The governor referred to Mr Bob, a lawyer, as his “son” and the “stabiliser of the assembly.” He praised Mr Bob's efforts in handling internal political disagreements.

Mr Eno also said that the current assembly members are the most “enjoyed” since Akwa Ibom State was created, claiming that official records back him up.

"Let me say without any contradiction that this House of Assembly, as far as I know, has enjoyed more than any assembly since the creation of this state. I stand to be challenged. The figures are clear; the documentation is clear. But they are very good people. All of them are my friends," he stated.

During the event, Mr Bob expressed gratitude to Governor Eno for his support for the legislature. He also assured the people of Nsit Ubium that they would back Eno's re-election bid in 2027.

"This is an opportunity for me to tell the people of Nsit Ubium what I have been doing with the mandate they entrusted to me at the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. It is also an opportunity to demonstrate practical representation," he said.

"I thank Your Excellency for the support you have shown to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

"I want to assure you of the support of the people of Nsit Ubium as you seek re-election in 2027. We will support all our candidates, from the Presidency to the House of Assembly, in the 2027 general elections."

At the event, the lawmaker also gave out many items, including cars, minibuses, generators, hair dryers, motorcycles, and sewing machines, to his constituents.

Mr Bob, who is a lawyer, is serving his second term in the assembly. He was elected on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform for his first two terms before moving to the All Progressives Congress (APC) with Mr Eno.

He has secured the APC ticket to run for a third term in the 2027 elections.

His father, an ally of the governor, leads the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District. Mr Eno’s comments show the close relationship between his government and the assembly leader as political alliances form ahead of the 2027 elections.

Mr Bob did not respond to PREMIUM TIMES’ call and a text message seeking his reaction to the governor’s comments when this report was being filed.