Two more commissioners in Akwa Ibom State have publicly reacted to Governor Umo Eno’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), clarifying their positions amid swirling resignation rumours.
The Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof. Eno Ibanga, and the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Emem Almond Bob, have both denied reports suggesting they refused to follow Governor Eno into the APC.
In a statement released by the Information Officer of the Ministry of Works, Evelyn Udobia, Prof. Ibanga reaffirmed his loyalty to the governor, describing the resignation rumours as baseless.
“We wish to firmly and categorically debunk these allegations. Professor Eno Ibanga has not resigned and remains fully committed to his duties as Commissioner for Works and Fire Service,” the statement read.
“Let it be stated for the record that Professor Eno Ibanga’s loyalty to Governor Umo Eno and the administration remains sacrosanct.”
Mr. Emem Bob has also not resigned and has decided to be fully aligned with Governor Eno’s new political direction.
Their positions stand in contrast to Dr. Ini Ememobong, who resigned as Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Sea Port following the governor’s defection to the APC on Friday.
In a letter shared with the public, Ememobong stated, “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… and a member of the State Executive Council.”
Governor Eno made his defection announcement during an event at the Government House, Uyo, attended by APC leaders including Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Sheriff Oborevwori, Bassey Otu, and Monday Okpebholo, as well as Mrs. Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, wife of the Senate President.
“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,” Eno said at the event.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.
