By Edet Ikotiden.
The Amalgamated Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (ANPA) Akwa Ibom State, an umbrella body of respected media proprietors and public communication stakeholders committed to responsible journalism and socio-political development, has formally endorsed Governor Umo Eno’s decision to realign politically with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
ANPA Endorses Governor Umo Eno’s Decision
This key resolution was reached at the end of a landmark meeting of ANPA’s Board of Trustees, Executive Council, and the general membership held on Friday, June 6, 2025, at Ceedapeg Hotel & Suites, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo.
The gathering, which had attendance from Media leaders across the state and beyond, reflected on the current state of the nation, political developments within Akwa Ibom State, and the evolving role of the media in fostering peace, unity, and development.
In a strongly worded communiqué signed by Comrade OsuiniAbasi Alfred (National President), and Mr. Henshaw Nyong (Chairman, Communiqué Drafting Committee), ANPA declared its unflinching support for Governor Eno and described his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC as a “strategic and statesmanlike” move.
“Governor Umo Eno has, in his time in office, shown himself to be a peace-loving, transparent, and development-oriented leader.
His defection is not an act of political desperation but a deliberate decision aimed at placing Akwa Ibom on a broader national platform for progress,” the communiqué read.
According to the association, Governor Eno’s decision was not made in haste, but followed wide consultations with stakeholders across the political spectrum.
ANPA noted that the governor remained focused on his governance responsibilities even amidst increasing political distractions.
“We appreciate the governor’s maturity and strategic thinking, and as publishers who stood with him during his time in the PDP, using our platforms to project his vision, we are now even more committed to supporting him as he charts a new political course,” the communiqué noted.
The media body further called on all well-meaning citizens of Akwa Ibom to rise above sentiments and judge the governor based on his visible achievements rather than party affiliation.
One of the major resolutions of the meeting was the unanimous decision by member-publishers to begin publishing weekend editions—Saturdays and Sundays—of their newspapers. This move, the group explained, is aimed at ensuring that the gains and developmental milestones of Governor Eno’s administration are reported more frequently and reach a wider audience.
“We cannot allow misinformation or opposition propaganda to distort the truth about the governor’s achievements. Our duty as media Professionals is to inform the public with facts, and to this end, daily reporting—seven days a week—is necessary,” the publishers agreed.
This development is expected to boost transparency and public engagement, while also helping to counter politically motivated narratives designed to undermine the administration’s credibility.
In a bold statement, ANPA called on the leadership of the APC, at both national and state levels, to treat Governor Eno with the respect and recognition befitting a leader of his stature and track record.
The association described him as a unifying figure who has earned the admiration of Akwa Ibomites and deserves full inclusion and support within the APC structure.
Also read: Governor Umo Eno Officially Dumps PDP for APC in a Shocking Political Move
“It would be politically suicidal for the APC to sideline Governor Eno or deny him the opportunity to seek a second term under its platform.
In other APC-led states, performing governors are rewarded. Akwa Ibom should not be treated differently,” ANPA warned.
The association emphasized that any attempt to marginalize the governor within the APC would be viewed as a betrayal of the will of the people and a dangerous precedent that could fuel division and instability.
ANPA also used the occasion to condemn what it described as “political blackmail” and “cheap propaganda” being peddled by opposition forces who are allegedly using family members of the governor to distract and destabilize him.
The group urged politicians to uphold the principles of decency and avoid dragging family into political battles.
“We find it disturbing that in a bid to distract the governor from governance, some individuals have chosen to malign and exploit his family members. This is unacceptable. Politics should be played with decorum,” the communiqué stated.
The group further noted that such divisive tactics are indicative of desperation and a lack of substance on the part of the opposition, warning that such methods will be resisted by all well-meaning citizens and institutions in the state.
Beyond media support, ANPA announced plans to roll out a series of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects aimed at supporting vulnerable groups and underserved communities in Akwa Ibom.
The initiatives will focus on education, healthcare access, and economic empowerment—particularly in rural and low-income areas.
“As part of our commitment to the Akwa Ibom project, we are not just telling stories—we are also touching lives. Our CSR interventions will complement government efforts and bring hope to the neglected,” said Comrade OsuiniAbasi Alfred.
The CSR rollout, expected in phases over the next year, will further cement ANPA’s reputation as a socially responsible and development-driven media coalition.
The association urged Governor to remain steadfast and ignore distractions, assuring him that the media and the people of the state remain solidly behind him.
The ANPA meeting ended with a renewed commitment to responsible journalism, political engagement, and the promotion of unity and progress in Akwa Ibom State.
