Following Governor Umo Eno’s official switch from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), three commissioners in Akwa Ibom State have resigned from their positions in the governor’s cabinet, according to Daily Trust..CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
Akwa Ibom has been a PDP stronghold ever since Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999. Governor Eno, however, recently told his administration’s members that any appointee who is unwilling to join the APC should be ready to leave their job.
The governor made it obvious at a recent meeting of the State Executive Council that his transition to the APC was impending and that his team’s devotion was required. He emphasized the need for appointees who did not share his political views to politely leave his administration. Three commissioners resigned from their posts after the governor’s formal defection on Friday: Emem Bob (Finance), Prof. Eno Ibanga (Works and Fire Service), and Ini Ememobong (Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport).
Ememobong mentioned the governor’s order as the basis for his resignation in a statement posted on his Facebook page. He reiterated his admiration for Governor Eno but clarified that he would not be able to flip due to his personal beliefs and long-standing antipathy to the APC. He underlined that despite his unwavering political position, he has a friendly connection with the governor, recognizing the confidence that was placed in him by giving him positions in two significant ministries.
Governor Eno, meanwhile, clarified that his choice to join the APC was a calculated and deliberate one during the gathering in Uyo to announce his defection. He stated that three months of discussions with important Akwa Ibom stakeholders preceded the adjustment. He said that although growth requires change, his commitment to public service and his basic beliefs never change. According to the governor, he informed the local and national party leadership that he was leaving the PDP.
In addition to thanking the PDP for its assistance throughout his administration, Governor Eno made it clear that his decision was motivated by a desire to maximize development potential and bring the state into line with the federal government. Additionally, he emphasized that his decision to switch was not motivated by political desperation but rather by courage and conviction. Since Eno’s defection, the APC has taken control of four of the six South-South states, with the PDP only controlling Rivers and Bayelsa.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>