May 29, 2023, will officially culminate the long walk of Governor Udom Emmanuel as the 4th civilian Governor of Akwa Ibom State. A journey so far characterized with dashed hope cancelled dreams and some good developmental strides.
Akwa Ibom State, made up of three major tribes; Ibibio, Annang and Oro nations, has over the years been governed on tripartite arrangement. The Ibibios, under Uyo Senatorial District, took their turns for eight years with Obong Victor Attah, the Annang who are mainly in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial, also had eight years on the saddle through Senator Godswill Akpabio. Governor Udom Emmanuel, from Eket Senatorial District, is doing his second term. Since the cycle of power-sharing will be completed at the end of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s tenure, Uyo Senatorial District will begin another round of power-sharing in 2023.
While many Akwa Ibomites have begun to assess how far the Governor has gone in his industrialization mantra which he rode to power in 2015, others have kept their eyes opened to read the Governor’s body language on who he is supporting as successor in 2023. Governor Udom Emmanuel has consistently announced that God will choose his successor, but many Akwa Ibomites tend to see the Governor’s body language tilting towards three personalities in Etinan Federal Constituency. These men; Pastor Umo Eno, Udom Inoyo and Akan Udofia, have over the years enjoyed the good friendship and working relationship with the Governor. They also sit well in their different fields of endeavour.