Three Commissioners Resign, Majority of Lawmakers Reportedly Decline to Join Governor Eno in APC

Political fallout has begun in Akwa Ibom State following Governor Umo Eno’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), as three commissioners have resigned their positions and a majority of state lawmakers have reportedly refused to follow him to the ruling party.

Among the 26 members of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, 15 lawmakers have reportedly chosen to remain with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), distancing themselves from the governor’s new political alignment. Only 11 are said to have joined him in the switch to the APC, indicating a significant divide in the legislature.

In the executive arm, three commissioners have formally resigned from their posts in response to the defection. They include Engr. Eno Ibanga, Commissioner for Works; Emem Almond Bob, Commissioner for Finance; and Comrade Ini Ememobong, who served as Commissioner for Special Duties and oversaw the Ibom Deep Sea Port project. Ememobong had also previously held the position of Commissioner for Information.

In a resignation letter posted on Facebook and circulated to the press on Friday, Ememobong said his decision was in line with Governor Eno’s directive that appointees unwilling to follow him into the APC should resign. He cited ideological differences as the reason for his departure.

“Behold another bend,” he wrote. “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,” he added, describing his opposition to the APC as a matter of principle and long-standing conviction.

He expressed appreciation to Governor Eno and former Governor Udom Emmanuel for the opportunities he had received during his time in office. He also made it clear that his resignation would not affect his personal relationship with the governor.

Governor Eno officially defected to the APC on Friday in a ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of the Akwa Ibom Government House, Uyo. The event was witnessed by several high-profile APC figures including Imo State Governor and APC Governors’ Forum Chairman Hope Uzodinma, Cross River State Governor Prince Bassey Otu, and Unoma Ekaette Akpabio, wife of the Senate President. The governor later completed his registration as an APC member at his Obotim Ward in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.