Two commissioners in Akwa Ibom State have resigned from the cabinet of the Governor Mr. Udom Emmanuel.
They are the commissioner for economic development and Ibom Deep Sea Port, Mr. Akan Okon and his counterpart in the ministry of labour and manpower planning, Mr. Sunny Ibuot.
Both men resigned their appointments on Monday, March, 14, 2022
In his letter dated Monday, March 14, 2022, Okon said “I formally tendered my resignation from the Akwa lbom State executive council as the commissioner for economic development and Ibom Deep Seaport” to “focus on my aspiration for the 2023 governorship election.”
He thanked the governor for the honour and great privilege to serve the state, adding that he would remain grateful to God almighty and the governor for giving him the opportunity to serve.
The letter reads: “Today, Monday, 14th March, 2022, I formally tendered my resignation from the Akwa lbom State executive council as the commissioner for economic development and Ibom Deep Seaport.
“It was an honour and great privilege to serve our State under the leadership of Mr. Udom Emmanuel at such an important phase in our history. I am grateful to God almighty and His Excellency, for giving me the opportunity to serve.
“I also thank the good people of our dear state for their support and encouragement which motivated me in the discharge of all the tasks and assignments given to me, especially with regards to the envisioned three gateways (land, air and sea) for the rapid development of our dear state and creation of job opportunities for our teeming and very enterprising youths.
“Throughout the duration of my service, I strived diligently to interpret His Excellency’s vision for our State as encapsulated in the Divine Mandate Agenda and Completion Agenda respectively.
“As the scripture admonishes “to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…” Eccl. 3: It is my deep conviction that this is the best time to take a leave in other to focus on my aspiration for the 2023 Governorship election.
“Once again, I thank His Excellency for the opportunity and wish our dear state the very best of growth and development.”
Similarly, Ibuot, in his letter dated March 14, 2022 thanked the governor for giving him the opportunity to serve in various capacities.
The letter reads: “I respectfully wish to thank his excellency, the executive governor of Akwa Ibom State for the opportunity granted me to be appointed as an honourable commissioner in Akwa Ibom State government.
“It has been a tremendous honour to have been appointed, first as secretary, technical committee on agriculture and food sufficiency, later…special adviser, political/ legislative affairs and water resources and finally…commissioner in Akwa Ibom State executive council of your administration.
“While this duration lasted, I have endeavoured and actively served with the best of my ability and potential, with milestones on the sands of time,” he stated.
“However, I am tendering this resignation of appointment as a commissioner in your cabinet due to personal reasons.
“Let me assure Your Excellency that I am ever thankful and will always cherish this privilege and divine contact with you for the rest of my life.
Although he did not state explicitly his next line of action, it is believed that Ibuot has his eye on Ikot Ekpene senatorial seat or Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara federal constituency in 2023.
