The Tinubu-Eno Pact

*By Ofonime Honesty

Remember that day in May 2024 when Akwa Ibom’s traditional and political leaders trooped to Aso Rock to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu?

To me, that was more than just a courtesy visit—it was arguably a carefully scripted opening scene for what we are witnessing today.

The critic in me had looked forward to another choreographed but unyielding outing. After all, what sort of political merry-go-round have we not witnessed in this country? What sort of political moonlight tales have we not been told?

But Governor Umo Eno seized the moment, and the rest is history. He rose to the occasion and, from point-blank range, told Mr. President that his state needed a deep seaport. Not only that, he complained that swathes of Akwa Ibom land were being devoured by gully erosion and sought the federal government’s assistance. He was essentially saying, “Help us before erosion swallows our state!”

He did not stand there to mouth mere platitudes. Instead, he channeled the raw needs and emotions of an entire state. To cap it off, he presented his famous ARISE Agenda manifesto to Mr. President for his perusal and endorsement.

And so, the Tinubu-Eno bromance set sail.

Governor Eno knows federal muscle is needed to actualize some of his administration’s policies.

Before gully erosion sinks the whole state, the federal government must step in by enlisting Akwa Ibom as a beneficiary of ecological funds and intervention programs.

Before the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport keeps stalling, the federal government must show genuine interest in its actualization. This one is a real big fish. A deep seaport in Akwa Ibom isn’t just another project—it’s a potential game-changer for Nigeria’s economy. It would decongest Lagos ports, create millions of jobs, and position Akwa Ibom as a major trade hub.

Beyond these projects, Akwa Ibom could benefit in other areas—so long as the collaboration works.

Now, let’s be real—Nigerian politics runs on “You scratch my back, I scratch yours.” This unwritten code of has shaped everything from budgetary allocations to infrastructural projects.
Federal-state partnerships can fast-track projects that would otherwise languish in bureaucratic purgatory. The Tinubu-Eno pact, if anchored on tangible deliverables, could rewrite Akwa Ibom’s economic story.
For instance, if Tinubu helps Eno deliver the seaport and other tangible projects, Akwa Ibom wins. If Eno’s defection strengthens APC’s grip in the South-South, Tinubu wins.

But the real winners should be the people of Akwa Ibom.
I don’t care about party-jumping if it leads to real development. If this defection brings that seaport to life, then I, Ofonime Honesty, hereby endorse it.
The Ibom Deep Seaport means so much to me! And may it come to fruition in no distant time.

For now, let’s hope this bromance delivers more than just sweet words and political ceremonies.

*(Ofonime Honesty is a journalist.)

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