Two commissioners resign as Eno defects to APC

Etim Ekpimah

Three serving commissioners in Governor Umo Eno’s cabinet have resigned from their positions. This occurred after the governor’s defection to the All Progressives Party on Friday, 6 June 2025.

The commissioners are Mr Emem Iniobong. He is the Commissioner for Special Duties and Mr Emem Bob, the Commissioner for Finance.

The governor had earlier threatened his commissioners. He stated that any commissioner who would not defect with him to the APC must resign from his cabinet.

During a brief speech at the official announcement of his defection in Uyo, Eno swore to govern the state. He promised to govern “through the prism of bipartisanship.”

The lawmakers represent Onna and State Constituency in the State Assembly. It is also understood that Mr Sunday Johnny rejected overtures from the governor to join him in the APC.

Eno’s political godfather is his predecessor, Mr Udom Emmanuel. He is from Onna Local Council. The just resigned finance commissioner and the lawmaker are also from there.

Ememobong, in a statement, said he tendered his resignation to the governor. This was in compliance with the governor’s directive. The directive stated that any appointees who are unwilling to join him on the political journey should resign.

“While I can’t question or fault the Governor’s personal decision, I am incapable of joining in that sojourn. My decision stems from my belief in politics with principles. I have a long-standing opposition to that political platform. This opposition is daily validated by many Nigerians across many sectors.

“This decision does not affect my relationship with the Governor. He calls me his brother. He showed great trust in me. He assigned me two crucial 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 to support President Bola Tinubu’s reelection bid. He also wanted to align the state with national politics. Additionally, he aimed to avoid being accused of playing anti-party in the PDP.

“Why am I in the APC, you ask? The answer is short and simple. It is Enlightened State Interest. This is predicated on the need to align our State with the Centre to attract more Federal presence. That is the truth, pure and simple. It is also the exercise of my fundamental Right of Association as expressed in the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“I have never hidden my admiration for the President. He shows a patriotic devotion to national renewal. This is something he is engendering today. I believe he is poised to replicate the Lagos magic on a larger national scale. I have no apologies. I support him for a second term in office. This is to finish the reforms he has started.

“Let me also say it here that political parties are vehicles to run for elections. In my considered opinion, governance should be done without rigid attachment to political labels. These parties are not defined by ideology but by an enlightened set of interests.

“In two years, since my inauguration as Governor, I have not worn a toga of a political party. Instead, I have been passionately committed 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 appeal to you, my people, to join me in this necessary movement. We need to align our State with the Centre. This will allow more development in our State,” the governor said.

In the presence of the Senate President, some APC governors led by Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo, showed their solidarity. They received messages from ALGON.

Messages also came from State Assembly members and members of the State Executive Council. National Assembly members from the state sent messages as well.