Akwa Ibom Commissioner Resigns, Says I Won’t Join APC

Ini Ememobong, commissioner for special duties and Ibom deep seaport, has resigned.

On Friday, Umo Eno, governor of Akwa Ibom, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He made the switch official after nearly three months of signalling his intention to leave the PDP.

Last month, Eno told his commissioners and other appointees to defect with him when he finally decides to join the APC or resign from his cabinet.

“I am told that some of you say you will not come. You are free not to join me, but you won’t be in my state executive council,” Eno said.

In a resignation letter dated June 6 and addressed to Eno, Ememobong said he cannot join the APC.

Ememobong referenced the governor’s directive requiring appointees who refuse to follow him to resign.

“The experience garnered within this period has been very enlightening and I profoundly value the privileged opportunity to have served in your administration,” the letter reads.

“You have directed that any appointee who is unwilling to accompany you to switch from the People’s Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, should resign.

“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.”

In a post on Facebook, Ememobong attributed his resolve not to join the APC to his “principles and long-standing opposition” to the party.

Ememobong added that his decision does not affect his relationship with Eno, who calls him brother.