By Erewunmi Peace

Tension is brewing in Akwa Ibom State following reports that security details attached to the immediate past Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, have been withdrawn.

According to reports, policemen assigned to both of Mr. Emmanuel’s residences in Akwa Ibom were recalled over the weekend. The former Governor’s Special Assistant, Barrister Steve Abia, confirmed the development, stating:

“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.”

However, the Akwa Ibom State Government has denied any involvement in the alleged withdrawal.
In a statement, the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Aniekan Umana, clarified that the deployment or withdrawal of police officers falls under the authority of the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector-General of Police, not the state government.

“The reports are false and misleading. The state government did not order any withdrawal,” he said.

The incident has sparked political debate across the state. Many observers see it as a reflection of a growing rift between Governor Umo Eno and his predecessor, who was once his political mentor.
The alleged fallout is reportedly linked to Governor Eno’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), while Mr. Emmanuel remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

A pro-PDP group has described the withdrawal as “politically motivated” and a ploy to subdue the former Governor.

While aides to Mr. Emmanuel insist that his security details have indeed been withdrawn, the Akwa Ibom State Government maintains that no such directive came from them. The situation continues to fuel speculation about the strained relationship between the two political leaders.