In a rare show of integrity, uncommon in Nigeria’s political clime, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Mr. Ini Ememobong, formally tendered his resignation letter on Friday.
The decision to quit the state’s EXCO, the Commissioner explained, hinged on Governor Umo Eno’s defection to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
In the letter dated June 6, 2025, and addressed to the Governor, Ememobong said his resignation was in compliance with Eno’s directive that appointees unwilling to move with him from the PDP to the APC should leave the cabinet.
“You have directed that any appointee who is unwilling to accompany you to switch from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, should resign,” Ememobong wrote.
“Ipso facto, based on my personal conviction, 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.”
After submitting his resignation letter, the Commissioner also took to social media to explain his action.
In a Facebook post, Ememobong, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said: “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.” he stated.
Emphasised that his decision was guided by his principles and long-standing opposition to the APC, the former Commissioner continued:
“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, which is daily validated by numerous Nigerians across many sectors.”
Ememobong, however, assured the governor that his resignation will not affect their personal relationship adding that his action did not connote any personal disagreement with Eno.
“This decision does not affect my personal relationship with the Governor, who calls me his brother and reposed great confidence in me by saddling me with two very important ministries (Information and Special Duties & Ibom Deep Sea Port),” he concluded.
