Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Sea Port, Dr. Ini Ememobong, has resigned from Governor Umo Eno’s cabinet following the governor’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Eno formally announced his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during an event held at the Government House, Uyo, on Friday, June 6.
The ceremony was attended by leading APC figures including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, and Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, wife of the Senate President.
“After completing the rounds of my consultation as your servant whom you have elected to serve, I have therefore decided to progressively move to the APC,” Governor Eno said at the event.
Ahead of his announcement, the governor had instructed all political appointees unwilling to join him in the APC to resign from their posts.
Acting in accordance with that directive, Dr. Ememobong tendered his resignation in a widely circulated letter.
In the letter, he said, “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 expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve under both Governor Eno and his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, who appointed him as Commissioner for Information.
Taking to social media to elaborate on his decision, Ememobong wrote:
“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.
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…”
He further acknowledged that his decision might not sit well with everyone but emphasized that it was made in good conscience, grounded in his values.
Dr. Ememobong, a seasoned public servant and one of the more visible figures in the PDP’s political structure, becomes the first high-ranking cabinet member to publicly reject the governor’s defection.
Though the majority of government officials are expected to follow Eno to the APC, Ememobong’s resignation reveals a resentment among the people of the state about the move.
