Ambition or Greed? Governor Eno’s Commissioners Resign to Pursue Local Government Chairmanship

In a political shift ahead of the 5 October Local Government (LG) elections in Akwa Ibom State, two commissioners have resigned from their positions to vie for the chairmanship of their respective Local Government Areas (LGAs).

Chief Etim Uno, the Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, from Urueoffong Oruko LGA, and Mr. Aniefiok Nkom, the Commissioner for Labour and Manpower Planning from Ikot Ekpene LGA, have both stepped down from their roles. Their resignations come after securing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) tickets in the primaries held on 2 August.

This development has sparked considerable debate within the state’s political circles. While some view the resignations as strategic moves to maintain political influence amidst speculation about a possible cabinet reshuffle by Governor Umo Eno, others criticize the commissioners’ actions as driven by a desire to benefit from the increased financial autonomy of local governments.

An anonymous PDP insider suggested, “They might be planning to leave office soon to capitalize on LG financial autonomy. They still wish to stay within the government.”

Sources close to the PDP revealed that stakeholders from both LGAs had requested the commissioners to run for the chairmanship. PDP State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Boronno Bassey, confirmed, “The people of Ikot Ekpene and Urueoffong Oruko wanted the commissioners to contest. It was their constituents who urged them to run.”

Bassey added, “The Governor supported this decision, encouraging them to initiate and execute substantial development projects at the grassroots level, as they have done in their current roles.”

However, criticism has come from Sen. Ita Enang, a former presidential adviser and APC chieftain, who accused the resigning commissioners of being driven by greed. “It’s unusual for commissioners to resign for local government chairmanship. The position of commissioner is higher in the governance hierarchy. Their move seems motivated by a desire to access and control the increased funds now available to LGAs.”

Enang further pointed out that previous LG chairmen managed with fewer resources, questioning the impact of the increased allocations under the current administration.