Akwa Ibom Commissioner Resigns After Governor’s Defection to APC
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Ini Ememobong, has stepped down from his role, just two hours after Governor Umo Eno officially announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement shared via his Facebook page on Friday, June 6, Ememobong confirmed his resignation, citing personal principles and political convictions as the reason for his decision.
“Behold another bend,” he began. “Today, I have tendered my resignation to the Governor in compliance with his directive that all appointees unwilling to join him in his move to the APC should resign.”
While expressing respect for Governor Eno’s personal political choice, Ememobong said he could not follow the same path due to his longstanding opposition to the APC and his belief in principled politics.
He emphasized that his resignation was not due to any personal disagreement with the governor, whom he described as a brother and mentor.
“This decision does not affect my personal relationship with the Governor, who calls me his brother and reposed great confidence in me,” he said, referencing his previous appointments as Commissioner for Information and later Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport.
Ememobong also thanked former Governor Udom Emmanuel for his support and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve in both administrations.
He acknowledged that his decision might disappoint some supporters but asked for their understanding.
“I don’t know what the future holds, but I trust the One who holds the future. At the end, all things will work together for good,” he concluded.
His resignation follows a clear ultimatum issued by Governor Eno in a previous address, where he made it mandatory for all political appointees to defect with him to the APC or resign.
“You are an appointee, and your loyalty is to me. You can’t remain in my cabinet and play anti-party. Prepare to resign the day I announce I’m moving,” the governor had declared.
Ememobong’s resignation underscores the deepening political realignments in Akwa Ibom as the governor’s switch to the APC begins to reshape the state’s political landscape.
Akwa Ibom Commissioner Resigns After Governor’s Defection to APC