In a political twist that has sent ripples through Akwa Ibom State’s power corridors, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Sea Port, Comrade Ini Ememobong, has resigned from his post.
His resignation follows the defection of Governor Umo Eno from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Eno made the announcement on Friday during a press conference in Uyo, saying the decision came after wide consultations across the state.
Shortly after the announcement, Ememobong submitted his resignation, citing his personal convictions as the reason he could not follow the governor into the APC.
In his resignation letter addressed to Governor Eno, which was seen by Elanza News, Ememobong said: “You have directed that any appointee who is unwilling to accompany you to switch from the PDP to the APC should resign. Ipso facto, based on my personal conviction, I will be unable to join the All Progressives Congress.”
“I hereby most respectfully tender my resignation as Honourable Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Sea Port and a member of the State Executive Council,” he added.
Ememobong, a known loyalist of the PDP, expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to serve in Governor Eno’s administration.
“I write to most sincerely appreciate the confidence and opportunity you offered me to serve in your cabinet in two critical Ministries—Information and Special Duties & Ibom Deep Sea Port,” he stated.
“The experience garnered within this period has been very enlightening and I profoundly value the privileged opportunity to have served in your administration,” he added.
Political observers see this as the first major fallout from Governor Eno’s defection and expect more resignations or realignments in the days ahead.
The governor is yet to officially respond to the resignation.
