The Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State, Ini Ememobong, has resigned his position shortly after Governor Umo Eno left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Mr. Ememobong announced his resignation on Facebook, just about an hour after Governor Eno made his defection to the APC official during an event at Government House on Friday.
Governor Eno had earlier told members of his cabinet that anyone who would not join him in the APC should be ready to step down. He had said: “Prepare to resign the day I announce that I am moving because you are an appointee, and your loyalty is fully to me. You can’t be in my cabinet and play anti-party.”
Following this directive, Mr. Ememobong explained that he had no choice but to resign.
“Today, I have submitted my resignation to the Governor in line with his instruction that any appointee unwilling to follow him to the APC should resign,” he wrote on Facebook.
He added that while he respects the Governor’s decision, he cannot follow him to the APC. “My choice is based on my belief in politics of principle and my long-standing opposition to that political platform, which many Nigerians across different sectors continue to criticise,” he said.
Mr. Ememobong also said his resignation does not affect his personal respect for Governor Eno, who he described as a brother and a leader who gave him the chance to serve in key roles.
He thanked Governor Eno and former Governor Udom Emmanuel for the opportunities they gave him, saying he looks back at his time in public service with pride.
He ended by asking for understanding from those who may be disappointed by his decision, and expressed faith that everything will work out in the end.
