Akwa Ibom Commissioner refuses to join Governor Eno to APC, resigns

In his concrete exercise of freedom of association, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Sea Port, Dr. Ini Ememobong, has vehemently refused to join Governor Umo Eno to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and consequently resigned from the cabinet.

In the letter widely circulated in the media, the commissioner wrote: “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.”

Dr Ini who expressed gratitude to Governor Eno for appointing him into the position of trust, further acknowledged that his decision might not sit well with everyone but emphasized that it was made in good conscience, grounded in his values.

Ememobong further explained via the social media:
“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…”

Dr. Ememobong, who also served under the past administration of Emmanuel Udom is a seasoned public servant and one of the more visible figures in the PDP’s political structure, has becomes the first high-ranking cabinet member to publicly reject the governor’s defection.

Governor Eno had formally announced his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during an event held at the Government House, Uyo, this Friday, (June 6), which attracted the presence of 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.