The Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State, Ini Ememobong, has resigned from his position following his refusal to defect with Governor Umo Eno from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Eno officially joined the APC on Friday after months of speculation and behind-the-scenes political manoeuvring. The defection marks a significant political shift in the oil-rich South-South state, long regarded as a PDP stronghold.
In a resignation letter dated June 6 and addressed to the governor, Ememobong stated that he was stepping down in line with Eno’s directive that all political appointees must either defect with him or resign their positions.
“You have directed that any appointee who is unwilling to accompany you to switch from the People’s Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress should resign,” the letter read in part.
“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 added.
The former commissioner, in a Facebook post, attributed his decision to longstanding ideological differences with the APC, stressing that his political stance was guided by principle and personal conviction.
“My decision is anchored on principles and my long-standing opposition to the ideals of the APC. This does not in any way diminish my respect and relationship with His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, whom I continue to regard as a brother,” he wrote.
Governor Eno had, last month, warned members of his cabinet that only those willing to follow him to the APC would retain their positions in the state executive council.
“I am told that some of you say you will not come. You are free not to join me, but you won’t be in my state executive council,” the governor had said.
Eno’s defection has triggered a wave of political tension in the state, with observers watching closely to see if other key officials will follow in Ememobong’s footsteps or align with the new political order..
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