By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
Three commissioners serving in the cabinet of Governor Uno Eno of Akwa Ibom have on Friday resigned from his cabinet in protest over the Governor’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressive Congress.
This is even as Eno during a brief speech at the official announcement of his defection in Uyo pledged to govern the state “through the prism of bipartisanship”
The trio of Prof Eno Ibanga, Mr Emem Bob and Comrade Ini Ememobong who served as Works, Finance and Special Duties/Ibom Deep Seaport Commissioners were said to have tendered their resignation.
It is also understood that the lawmakers representing ONNA and State Constituency in the state assembly Mr Sunday Johnny is also said to have rejected overtures from the Governor to join him to the APC.
Eno”s political godfather and his predecessor, Mr Udom Emmanuel is from ONNA local council, same as the just resigned finance commissioner and the lawmaker.
Ememobong in a statement said hr tendered his 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.” He said.
Eno had said he officially joined the APC inorder to support President Bola Tinubu’s reelection bid, to align the state with national politics and to avoid being accused of playing anti party in the PDP.
“Why am I in the APC, you may ask? The answer is short and simple: Enlightened State Interest predicated on the need to align our State with the Centre to attract more Federal presence. . That is the truth-pure and simple as well as the exercise of my fundamental Right of Association as expressed in the 1999 Constitution as Amended.
“t is a known fact that, I have never hidden my admiration for the President and his patriotic devotion to national renewal which he is engendering today. I believe he is poised to replicate the Lagos magic on a larger national scale. I therefore, have no apologies for supporting him for a second term in office to complete the reforms he has started.
“Let me also say it here, that political parties are vehicles to run for elections. Governance in my considered opinion should be done, without rigid attachment to political labels, since these parties are not defined by ideology but by enlightened set of interests.
” In two years, since my inauguration as Governor, I have not worn a toga of a political party rather it has been my passionate commitment to pursuing the larger interest of our State and our people. The Arise Agenda, has been our Governance Blueprint, and that’s what it will be as we make this movement.
“I therefore, appeal to you my people to join me in this necessary movement to align our State with the Centre and to facilitate more development to our State.” The Governor said.
In the presence of Senate President, some APC governors led by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo, solidarity messages were received from ALGON, State Assembly members, members of the State Executive Council and National Assembly members from the state.
