The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has responded strongly to criticism from veteran Nollywood actor and lawyer, Kenneth Okonkwo, over his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Okonkwo, who is also a member of the Labour Party, had in a recent television interview, condemned Governor Eno’s political switch, describing him as a "transgenderic politician" a term he used to mock the governor’s transition from the opposition to the ruling party.
But in a fiery rebuttal, Governor Eno dismissed the comment as baseless and irrelevant, suggesting that Okonkwo was meddling in affairs that do not concern him.
“Some people talk as if they know everything,” Eno stated. “Even those who aren’t from Akwa Ibom, those who’ve tried different things in life and failed, now want to comment on our state matters. People like Kenneth Okonkwo, who once tried acting and was in Living in Bondage, are ironically still living in bondage.”
The phrase “Living in Bondage” is not just a sarcastic jab it’s also the title of a 1992 Nollywood classic that marked Kenneth Okonkwo’s breakout role. Eno used the reference to suggest that the actor had failed to evolve meaningfully beyond his early fame.
Continuing his verbal attack, the governor said: “He should focus on his own state. He’s an ‘attempted’ politician he tried with the Labour Party and failed. He’s an ‘attempted’ lawyer he hasn’t even moved a motion in court. And as an actor, he remains stuck in that same old character.”
Governor Eno emphasized that his decision to join the APC is a strategic move aimed at aligning the state with the center for developmental benefits, and not something that requires external validation or commentary especially from someone not affiliated with Akwa Ibom.
“This is a matter for Akwa Ibom people. As the person in the driver’s seat, I know the road and where the potholes are,” he said in Pidgin, adding, “Na me dey hold steering, and I sabi where go-slow no go dey.”
He concluded by making it clear that Kenneth Okonkwo is not welcome to interfere in the state’s political decisions, urging him to focus on his own affairs and leave Akwa Ibom politics to its citizens.
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