Prelate Isaiah Issong-Rallies Church Fathers For Pastor Umo Eno
Says, “Governor’s progressive alignment of the state is strategic”
As the gale of defections gathers momentum ahead of 2027 general elections, there have been some outcries by several groups over perceived neglect by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno PhD, who penultimate week defected to the ruling All Progressive Congress
(APC) and was formally received into the party at a reception attended by APC big wigs,
including the President of the federation, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by his Vice, Senator
Shetima Kashim, Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, former APC national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, at the Godswill Akpabio international stadium, Uyo.
The reception event which attracted massive crowd of staunch APC members and newly defected members, was a watershed, signalling a turn of political landscape of Akwa Ibom State. While the APC members were jubilating, a section of the public felt aggrieved for being isolated from current political engagement of the State.
Among them are grassroots pastors under the aegis of the Fathers In Faith for Good Governance. But in a swift approach to defusing mounting tension and reestablish trust in the administration of Pastor Umo Eno PhD, the President General of Fathers In Faith for Good Governance, Prelate Prof. Isaiah Issong, sued for understanding and patience; assuring that the move of the Governor from the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC) was strategic and beneficial to pastors and the entire State.
Addressing the subject, the Prelate, who is also Vice Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Christian Leadership Advisory Council (AKSCLAC) said: “Today, I wish to speak from the heart about a matter that touches the future of our state and the well-being of our people. As you already know, our Governor has recently made a significant political move – he has transitioned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party at the federal level.” ” This decision was not made in haste or for selfish interest. It was made with foresight, responsibility, and in pursuit of greater opportunities for us all. As ordinary citizens, we may not always understand the full weight of such political decisions – but those who lead us have the benefit of seeing what lies ahead, ” he said.
Explaining the benefits of the movement, he stated, “We must understand that in Nigeria, political alignment with the federal government often brings: greater access to development funds and federal infrastructure projects, better security collaboration and support from federal agencies, more appointments and empowerment opportunities for our sons and daughters, improved influence and voice at the national level.”
He further emphasized his position, asserting that, ” In truth, a state that aligns with the centre is a state that positions itself to receive attention, investment, and inclusion in national plans.” Assuring Fathers In Faith for Good Governance and the entire Christian community in the State, Prelate Prof Isaiah Issong argued, “Our Governor’s move is a bold step to ensure we are not left behind. It is not just a political switch – it is a strategic shift toward progress.”
Acknowledging the feelings of the group at the grassroots, he called for steadfastness in support
of the Governor’s ARISE agenda, noting that the group’s support to the State Governor is not “about blind party loyalty; it is about what is best for our people – better roads, working hospitals, youth employment, and lasting peace.” While admonishing the public against hanging on to sentiments and unnecessary emotions over the new political alignment of the State, he called on Akwa Ibom citizens to be hopeful for better days ahead.
His words: “Let us not fight a battle of sentiment when we are called to a journey of development. Let us support this new direction with open hearts and hopeful minds. Let us give the Governor our encouragement and unity, so he can negotiate from a position of strength on our behalf.” According to the erudite clergy, moving the political structure of the State to APC does not mean pastors were abdicating their values but “advancing them with wisdom,” echoing that the “Governor is optimistic, pragmatic and proactive enough in taking this step.”
He urged pastors not to be indifferent but “walk
together on this path of growth,” and added: “Let’s trust that our leader has seen what is ahead and by following, we too shall arrive at the land of opportunity and stability.” Meanwhile, the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, has assured Akwaibomites of running a government that focuses on uniting all leaders,
despite political differences, for the purpose of gaining more from the centre. He has reiterated
that his defection to APC will not stall the full implement a tion of the ARISE a genda programmes of his administration but will enhance development in key areas such as completion of the Ibom Deep Seaport and draw into the State more federal government projects.
