The governor of Akwa-Ibom State, Mr. Umo Eno, has ordered all commissioners and political appointees in his cabinet to either defect with him to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or resign from their positions.
Pastor Eno reportedly gave the marching order during State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting on Thursday, where he openly announced his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC.
According to sources, Governor Eno during the meeting made it obvious that his defection should not come as a surprise to any of his appointees.
He said: “Anybody who claims he is not aware of my intention to leave the PDP is still living in the 18th century,” he said.
He explained that his decision to align with the APC was driven by his admiration for the leadership style of President Bola Tinubu, adding that he wants to work more closely with the Federal Government.
He issued a stern warning to his appointees, saying he has “nothing to negotiate” with anyone unwilling to follow his political direction.
“Apart from elected officials like House of Assembly members and Local Government Chairmen, I have nothing to negotiate with you,” Eno declared.
“Let me tell you, anybody who believes that when I leave the PDP he will use the party structure to fight me is lying, because I will still control the PDP structure.”