By ARIT OTONG UBOK

Eno Says Akwa Ibom Assembly Leader Tips Him Off About Alleged ‘Coup’ Plans

AKWA Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has disclosed that the Leader of the State House of Assembly, Otobong Bob, regularly alerts him to what he described as alleged “coup” plans among lawmakers, highlighting the close relationship between the governor and the legislature’s leadership.

Eno made the disclosure on Friday during a constituency briefing organised by Bob, who represents Nsit Ubium State Constituency, the governor’s home local government area. While praising the lawmaker’s role in managing political disagreements, the governor described him as his “son” and the assembly’s “stabiliser”.

However, Eno did not identify the lawmakers allegedly involved in the plans or explain what he meant by a “coup”. Consequently, his remarks left unanswered questions about the nature of the alleged manoeuvres and whether they referred to a political challenge, an attempt to alter the assembly’s leadership, or another form of internal disagreement.

Governor Describes Private Communications With Assembly Leader

Recounting his interactions with Bob, Eno said the lawmaker sometimes visited him at night to share information about developments within the legislature.

“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.

Bob, who was standing nearby during the remarks, gestured towards Deputy Speaker KufreAbasi Edidem. The lawmakers smiled, while the governor also appeared amused by the exchange.

Nevertheless, the light-hearted moment did not clarify the substance of the governor’s claim. Eno offered no names, dates or specific incidents to establish what the alleged plans involved. Therefore, the remarks remain his account of private political communications rather than independently verified evidence of a conspiracy within the assembly.

The governor also praised Bob’s handling of disagreements among lawmakers, presenting him as a figure who helps maintain stability within the legislative institution.

Eno Praises Assembly, Cites Records on Its Benefits

Beyond his comments about Bob, the governor described the current Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly as the most “enjoyed” since the state’s creation, suggesting that its members had benefited more than their predecessors.

“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,” Eno said.

Although he insisted that records supported his assessment, he did not provide the figures or documents during the remarks reported at the event. Accordingly, the basis for comparing the benefits received by the current assembly with those of previous legislatures was not immediately clear.

Even so, Eno described the lawmakers as his friends and commended their relationship with his administration. His comments underscored the cordial ties between the executive and the assembly’s leadership, although such cooperation does not remove the legislature’s independent constitutional responsibilities.

Bob Pledges Support for Eno’s 2027 Re-election Bid

In his address, Bob thanked the governor for supporting the state legislature and pledged that the people of Nsit Ubium would back Eno’s bid for another term in 2027.

The lawmaker said the constituency briefing provided an opportunity to account for his stewardship and demonstrate how he had used the mandate entrusted to him by voters.

He also promised support for the candidates his political camp would present across the different levels of government in the 2027 general elections, from the presidency to the state assembly.

That declaration placed the event within the wider political calculations already shaping the next election cycle. However, Bob’s pledge represented his political commitment and stated expectation of support from his constituents; it did not independently establish how voters in Nsit Ubium would ultimately cast their ballots.

Constituency Gifts & Political Alignments

The constituency briefing also featured the distribution of items to residents. Bob presented cars, minibuses, generators, hair dryers, motorcycles and sewing machines to constituents.

Such distributions can provide immediate practical assistance to beneficiaries, while vehicles and equipment may also support transport, small businesses and household livelihoods. Nevertheless, assessing the programme’s wider impact would require information about the number of beneficiaries, the value of the items, the selection process and the uses to which recipients put them.

Politically, Bob’s relationship with Eno has strengthened through their shared move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Bob, a lawyer serving his second term, was elected on the PDP platform before defecting alongside the governor. He has since secured the APC ticket to seek a third term in 2027.

His father, former senator Effiong Bob, is also a prominent political figure and an ally of the governor. He leads the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, adding another dimension to the family’s political connections.

Legislative Independence Remains an Important Question

The governor’s remarks have drawn attention to the close relationship between his administration and the assembly’s leadership. Such cooperation can help government institutions coordinate policies and resolve disagreements. At the same time, a legislature must retain the independence to scrutinise government spending, question executive decisions and represent constituents whose views may differ from those of the governor.

Therefore, the central issue is not simply whether Eno and Bob maintain a close political relationship, but whether that relationship accommodates robust legislative oversight and transparent decision-making.

Ultimately, Eno’s comments offer a glimpse into the political ties within Akwa Ibom’s leadership as the 2027 elections approach. Yet the alleged “coup” plans remain unexplained, while the governor’s claims about the assembly’s benefits await supporting documentation. Further clarification from the governor, Bob and other relevant lawmakers would help establish the context behind the remarks.