GOVERNANCE IS NOT MAGIC, AKWA IBOM IS NOT EGYPT

It is astonishing (though no longer surprising) that a political party that once governed Akwa Ibom State with pride has now reduced itself to theatrical exaggerations, comparing the state to Pharaoh’s Egypt and branding a sitting Governor “Pharaoh” simply to whip up sentiments. Scripture warns against reckless speech: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). But in desperation for relevance, even sacred texts are now being dragged into political mud.

Let us be clear: the story of Moses and Pharaoh is not a campaign metaphor. In Exodus, Pharaoh was a tyrant who enslaved people, defied God, and ruled by oppression. Nothing in Pastor Umo Eno’s administration —marked by peace-building, settlement of arrears, rural development, agricultural revival, empowerment programmes, and infrastructural progress — resembles the tyranny or idolatry of ancient Egypt. Governance may have its challenges, but no amount of propaganda can turn Akwa Ibom into Egypt simply because a political party wants a comeback story.

The PDP’s fixation on “cheap Egyptian magic” is comical, especially when Scripture teaches that God judges leaders by their results, not their rhetoric. “By their fruits you shall know them” (Matthew 7:16). And the fruits are undeniable: roads constructed, salaries paid, pensions cleared, young people empowered, farmers supported, and institutions strengthened. These are not tricks; they are deliverables. If the opposition calls this magic, then perhaps they should admit they struggle to understand governance when they are not holding the pen of power.

Mocking media workers for defending their government is not courage (it is an admission of frustration). Even Nehemiah endured taunting from Sanballat and Tobiah while rebuilding Jerusalem, yet Scripture records: “The people worked with all their heart” (Nehemiah 4:6). While others sneer from the sidelines, real governance continues.

And let us address the hypocrisy: the same actors who ridicule government aides are the ones lobbying for appointments behind closed doors. Some of the loudest voices today were yesterday’s supplicants. It is unbiblical and frankly immoral to demonize hardworking citizens who simply serve their state. “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth…” (Ephesians 4:29). But when bitterness becomes a strategy, even decency becomes optional.

As for the claim that government officials are not with the Governor, the facts are brutally straightforward. Gov. Umo Eno recently relieved two appointees who publicly abandoned the APC to openly identify with the PDP. Who in sanity runs a government where appointees dance for the opposition by day and collect government salaries by night? Loyalty is the minimum requirement for governance. No credible administration in any democracy tolerates such indiscipline.

And then the PDP attempts to weaponize Exodus 14:13–14 as a campaign chant. Moses spoke those words when Israel stood between the Red Sea and an approaching army (not to console delegates after a convention). The Scripture is a shield of faith, not a shield of politics.

If the opposition insists on Bible use, then let us use it properly: “Seek the peace of the city… for in its peace you too will have peace.” (Jeremiah 29:7). Akwa Ibom needs peace and progress—Not fear-mongering analogies, not cheap theatrics, and certainly not attempts to drag the state back into the chaos of the past.

Pastor Umo Eno is not flawless, but he has governed with calm, stability, prudence, and development-focused planning. Opposition is healthy; misinformation is not. Those who disagree with him should bring facts, not fables; evidence, not emotional manipulation.

As politics heats up, let all sides remember Paul’s admonition: “Let your speech be seasoned with grace” (Colossians 4:6). For when the noise settles, we still remain one Akwa Ibom, one people, and one destiny.
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Thomas Thomas writes from Tuskers Republic, Uyo