The Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State, Mr Ini Ememobong on Friday resigned HIS appointment following the defection of the governor, Mr Umo Eno from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The erstwhile commissioner posted his resignation letter on Facebook about an hour after the governor officially announced his decision to leave the PDP at an event held in Government House on Friday.
In his defection speech, the governor said his camp switching followed three months of extensive consultations with key political stakeholders across the state.
“For some time now, the political space—particularly in this state and across the nation—has been filled with speculation about my potential defection from the PDP, the platform that facilitated my rise to the position of governor,” he stated.
“This conversation has generated diverse opinions. Today (yesterday), I am here to address those lingering questions. As the Dalai Lama once said, ‘We should always be open to change, but not let go of our shared values.’”
He confirmed that he had submitted his formal resignation from the PDP to his ward chairman, with copies also delivered to the party’s state and national leadership.
“Earlier this morning (yesterday), I submitted a formal letter of resignation to the ward chairman of the PDP. Copies were also sent to both the state and national chairmen,” he said, and thanked the party “for their support, their love, and the opportunity to serve Akwa Ibom under their banner over the past two years.”
He said he the decision was not made lightly, but came after a series of engagements with political leaders and party stakeholders.
He added that the final consultation was made at a meeting with key PDP figures, stressing that he did so “out of respect.”
“I believe no one in the political history of this state has consulted as widely as I have before making such a move.
“I did it out of respect for all of you—as stakeholders in the Akwa Ibom project. I needed your counsel and felt it was important to explain the reasons behind this decision.”
The governor said his defection was born out of the evolving political climate.
“We must be able to interpret the times, flow with them, and not swim against the tide. Having completed my consultations, I have now decided to align myself with the All Progressives Congress.”
However, Eno said despite joining the APC he would continue to govern the state through a bipartisanship.
“Standing before you today, I make bold to state categorically that I have, by today’s event, changed my political affiliations, but I would continue to uphold my values, moral fibre, foundational principles that I have nourished and cherished all through my life.
“Those values would remain unchanged, and I would always work with you regardless of party affiliations. Political parties remain vehicles for election. I will continue to ensure that governance is done through the prism of bipartisanship,” he said.
Recall that weeks earlier, the governor had summoned members of his cabinet about his next move and urged them to join him in the new party to resign.
“Prepare to resign the day I announce that I am moving because you cannot; you are an appointee, and your loyalty is fully to me. You can’t be in my cabinet and play anti-party. It is what it is,” he told them.
Soon after the governor announced his movement to the APC, Ememobong handed in his resignation saying his decision was borne out of his belief in politics with principles and “my long-standing opposition to that political platform, which is daily validated by numerous Nigerians across many sectors.”
The letter reads: “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. 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. 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). I have and will continue to have tremendous respect for HE Governor Umo Eno, even out of EXCO.
“About my history in political and public service, I look back with great satisfaction at the work I have done and leave the ultimate judgement to history and posterity. Given another opportunity, I will do more.
“Let me convey the very sincere appreciation of my family to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno for appointing me into his cabinet. Our very special appreciation goes to Mr Udom Emmanuel, the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State for his enduring love and belief in me, especially for appointing me into the Executive Council during his administration.
“I understand this decision may not please everyone, and to those who are disappointed, I humbly seek your understanding.
“As usual, I do not know the future, but I know HE who holds the future and I trust that at the end, all things work together for good, to those who love the Lord and are the called unto HIS purpose.
“Yak Emem Aba!”
