Akwaibom commissioner resigns over Gov’s APC defection

The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Sea Port,  Dr. Ini Ememobong has resigned his position, citing personal principles as his reason for rejecting Governor Umo Eno’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Diaspora Digital Media DDM reported that Governor Eno officially declared his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday, June 6, during a formal ceremony at the Government House, Uyo.

His announcement marked a significant political shift and was witnessed by notable APC leaders 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.

In his remarks, Eno stated, “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.”

The move was not entirely unexpected, following weeks of political speculation and the governor’s open remarks about aligning Akwa Ibom with the ruling party at the federal level.

Ahead of the announcement, Governor Eno reportedly directed all political appointees unwilling to follow him into the APC to tender their resignations.

Dr. Ememobong complied without delay, making his resignation public through a widely shared letter addressed to the governor.

In his letter, Ememobong 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.”

He extended gratitude for the opportunities he had to serve under both Governor Eno and former Governor Udom Emmanuel, who appointed him as Commissioner for Information in the last administration.

Taking to social media, Ememobong explained further, stating, “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 acknowledged that his resignation may disappoint some but stressed that it was a deeply personal and principled decision.

Ememobong’s exit is significant. He was not just a cabinet member but a prominent figure in the PDP structure in Akwa Ibom.

His departure signals internal resistance to the governor’s move and may hint at deeper fractures within the state’s political framework.

Though the majority of government officials are expected to follow Governor Eno into the APC, Ememobong becomes the first high-ranking official to reject the transition publicly.

His stance highlights growing concerns among loyal PDP members about the future direction of governance and political identity in Akwa Ibom.

However, it is believe that more resignations or defections could follow, as the political realignment initiated by Eno continues to ripple through the state’s power structures.

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