Akwa Ibom Commissioner Resigns As Governor Umo Eno Defects From PDP To APC

Akwa Ibom’s Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Ini Ememobong, has stepped down from his position after Governor Umo Eno’s move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a Facebook post on Friday, Ememobong explained that his resignation was in line with the governor’s instruction that any political appointee unwilling to join the APC should resign.

“Today, I have tendered my resignation to the Governor in compliance with his directive that his appointees who are unwilling to join him on the political journey to the APC should resign,” he stated.

Though he disagrees with the governor’s political direction, Ememobong made it clear there was no personal conflict between them.

“While I cannot question or fault the Governor’s personal decision, I am unable to join in that sojourn. My decision is borne out of my belief in politics with principles and my long-standing opposition to that political platform, which is daily validated by numerous Nigerians across many sectors.

“This decision does not affect my personal relationship with the Governor, who calls me his brother and reposed great confidence in me by saddling me with two very important ministries (Information and Special Duties & Ibom Deep Sea Port).

“I have and will continue to have tremendous respect for HE Governor Umo Eno, even out of EXCO,” he said.

He also thanked both Governor Eno and former Governor Udom Emmanuel for the opportunities they gave him, noting that his time in government has been fulfilling.

He expressed hope that the public would understand his choice saying, “Let me convey the very sincere appreciation of my family to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, for appointing me into his cabinet.

“Our very special appreciation goes to Mr Udom Emmanuel, the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State, for his enduring love and belief in me, especially for appointing me into the Executive Council during his administration.”

Reflecting on his career in public service, Ememobong said he is proud of his contributions as he appealed for understanding.

Ememobong added, “Given another opportunity, I will do more. I understand this decision may not please everyone, and to those who are disappointed, I humbly seek your understanding.”

Meanwhile, Governor Umo Eno confirmed his defection from the PDP to the APC during a press briefing in Uyo on Friday.

He explained that his decision came after three months of consultations with political leaders and stakeholders across Akwa Ibom.

“For some time now, the political space, particularly in this state and the nation in general, has been awash with the news of my likely movement from the PDP, the platform that has provided the levers and ladder of my political ascendancy to the position of governor of this state.

“This discussion has elicited various areas of analysis in the process. Today, I am here to answer to some of those nagging questions. Like the Dalai Lama had said, ‘we should always be open to change, but not to let go of our shared values,” the governor said.

Eno revealed that he has formally resigned from the PDP, submitting letters to his ward, state, and national party officials.

He said, “Earlier this morning, I submitted a formal letter of resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party to the ward chairman. Same copy has been sent to both the state chairman as well as the national chairman.

“I want to thank the Peoples Democratic Party for their support, for their love and for working with me this past two years in the affairs of running the state of Akwa Ibom across party lines, but this is a defining moment.”

Governor Eno emphasized that his choice was not made lightly, adding that his wide consultations demonstrated respect for the political community in Akwa Ibom.

He said, “I believe that no one has moved aggressively or has ever changed party in this state that has consulted as widely as I’ve done.

“I did that because of the respect I have for all of you — as stakeholders in project Akwa Ibom. I did that knowing that each and every one of you needed to be consulted, to be informed.

“I needed your counsel, I needed to explain why I am moving, and at this point, that consultation culminated into my meeting with all the critical stakeholders in the PDP last night in this hall, where I took time to explain to all of you the reason why we must move.

“We must be able to interpret the times, and flow with the times, and not run against the tide. Having completed the rounds of my consultation, I have therefore decided to progressively move to the All Progressives Congress.”

KanyiDaily recalls that Akwa Ibom state Governor Umo Eno recently responded to a viral video making the rounds online, in which his daughter appears to accuse him of being involved in the death of his wife, Patience Umo Eno.