Dr. Ini Ememobong, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Sea Port, has resigned from Governor Umo Eno’s cabinet following the governor’s dramatic defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Eno formally announced his switch to the APC during a high-profile event at the Government House in Uyo on Friday, June 6. The occasion was attended by several top APC figures, including Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), and 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 declared.
In the lead-up to his announcement, the governor had issued a directive requesting all political appointees who did not wish to join him in the APC to tender their resignations.
Dr. Ememobong, acting in line with that instruction, resigned from his position in a letter that has since circulated widely.
“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 for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Sea Port and a member of the State Executive Council,” the letter read.
The former commissioner, who previously served as Commissioner for Information under former Governor Udom Emmanuel, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve in both administrations.
In a social media post, Ememobong elaborated on his stance:
“Today, I have tendered my resignation to the Governor in compliance with his directive… 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…”
He acknowledged that his decision may be unpopular in some quarters but stressed that it was guided by personal conviction and values.
Ememobong’s resignation marks the first high-profile departure from the governor’s team since the defection and signals potential fractures within the state’s political establishment. While many appointees are expected to align with Eno’s move to the APC, the commissioner’s bold rejection suggests underlying tensions and discontent among some loyalists and constituents.
Political observers view the development as a significant moment in Akwa Ibom’s political realignment, with possible implications for party loyalty and future elections in the state.
