Senate President Godswill Akpabio has revealed that former Senator Ita Enang allegedly demanded an appointment before agreeing to stop his persistent criticism of Governor Umo Eno, raising questions about the former lawmaker’s credibility and the sincerity of his political positions.
Akpabio made the disclosure while recounting how he intervened over Enang’s criticism of successive administrations in Akwa Ibom State, particularly the government of Governor Eno.
According to the Senate President, he personally called Enang and appealed to him to stop attacking the governor. Enang, however, allegedly told him that he would not stop unless he was given an official position.
Akpabio quoted the former senator as saying: “Your Excellency, until you give me something to do, I will not stop.”
The Senate President said he subsequently recommended Enang for an ambassadorial appointment and sent him to represent Nigeria in Germany.
Akpabio also thanked Enang for no longer hosting the radio programme through which he had previously criticised the government.
The disclosure puts Enang’s political conduct under scrutiny, particularly against the background of his subsequent endorsement of Governor Eno. If Akpabio’s account is accurate, Enang’s decision to stop criticising the governor followed the offer of an appointment, rather than any publicly stated change in his assessment of the administration.
For the people of Akwa Ibom, the question is straightforward: if a politician can make the continuation of his criticism conditional on receiving an appointment, how should the public assess his subsequent praise and political endorsements?
Enang’s reported words, as recounted by Akpabio, provide a basis for the public to question whether his political positions are guided by conviction or personal political interests. His endorsement of Governor Eno must therefore be considered alongside the circumstances Akpabio has now brought to light.
