Three commissioners in Akwa Ibom have resigned their appointments following Governor Umo Eno’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
Also, out of 26 lawmakers in the state House of Assembly, 15 members have refused to join Eno in APC, while 11 members reluctantly followed.
The Commissioners are Engr Eno Ibanga Works, Ini Ememobong Special Duties and Ibom Deepsea and Emem Almond Bob, Finance.
Eno, who was in the presence of the APC Governors Forum Chairman and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, with his counterpart in Cross River State, Prince Bassey Otu, monitored by the wife of Senate President Unoma Ekaette Akpabio, on Friday, defected to APC at Banquet Hall of Akwa Ibom Government House, Uyo.
Eno later proceeded to register in the party at Obotim ward in Nsit Ubium local government area of the state, where he performed defection formalities from PDP to APC.
However, a serving commissioner, Comrade Ini Ememobong, after watching the defection ceremony with his colleagues, resigned from his appointment from the State Executive Council.
In the resignation letter posted on his Facebook page and made available to Journalists in Uyo on Friday, Ememobong said his resignation is in compliance with Umo Eno’s directive that his appointees who are not willing to join him on the political journey to APC should resign.
The statement reads in part, “Behold another bend. 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.”