Ini Ememobong, the commissioner for information and strategy and special duties in Akwa Ibom, has tendered his resignation letter. 

Mr Ememobong’s resignation came after Governor Umo Eno defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). 

In a statement on Friday, he said his resignation follows the directive by Mr Eno that all political appointees in the state cabinet who are unwilling to join him in the APC should exit. 

Mr Ememobong explained that his decision was borne out of principles and his opposition to the APC as a political party. 

“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,” he said. 

According to him, his resignation as a cabinet member in the state does not mean any disagreement with Mr Eno. 

“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.”

While expressing gratitude to the governor, Mr Ememobong saluted Mr Eno and his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, for their love and belief in him. 

“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,” he said.

Mr Eno had in the early hours of Friday officially annoyed his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. 

His announcement at the Government House in Uyo, the state capital, came a few days after he said it was time for him to move to the APC.

“It is time to move and align the state to APC at the federal level,” Mr Eno said. 

Mr Eno had said his decision followed three months of wide consultation with stakeholders across the state.