-as Special Duties Commissioner resigns, citing personal conviction
By Shadrach Okon
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has formally dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The announcement was made on Friday at the Government House in Uyo.
Governor Eno said his defection followed “three months of wide consultation” with stakeholders across the State.
He thanked the PDP for their support since the beginning of his administration but noted that it was time for a “progressive move.”
The governor linked his decision to his admiration for President Bola Tinubu and the need for Akwa Ibom to align with the federal government in order to benefit more from the centre.
“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,” he declared.
“We’re joining the APC today in the state interest and because of our critical admiration and respect for President Tinubu and to provide the needed support for Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
“We are not joing the APC from the position of weakness but from the position of strength and alive. We are joining the APC out of a need to align our state with the center.”
Governor Eno assured residents that his administration remains committed to serving all citizens, regardless of party affiliation.
The defection event was attended by several APC governors, including Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, as well as Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), and Bassey Otu (Cross River), among others.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Comrade Ini Ememobong has resigned from Akwa Ibom State Executive Council following the defection of Governor Umo Eno from PDP to APC.
Ini Ememobong in his letter of resignation said his decision to resign was in compliance with the Governor’s im directive that his appointees who are unwilling to join him on the political journey to the APC should resign.
Part of his resignation letter read: “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, which is daily validated by numerous Nigerians across many sectors.”
Ini Ememobong further stated:”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.”
