Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport, Ini Ememobong, has formally resigned following Governor Umo Eno’s defection to the All Progressives Congress

In a Facebook post on Friday, Ememobong explained that his resignation was in accordance with the Governor’s directive that any political appointee unwilling to join the APC should step aside.

“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,” he stated.

Ememobong, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, emphasised that his decision was guided by his principles and long-standing opposition to the APC.

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“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.

He made it clear that his resignation does not reflect any personal disagreement with 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),” he wrote.

“I have and will continue to have tremendous respect for HE Governor Umo Eno, even out of EXCO.”

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In his statement, Ememobong expressed gratitude to both the governor and his predecessor, Mr Udom Emmanuel.

“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.

Reflecting on his career in public service, Ememobong said he is proud of his contributions as he appealed for understanding.

Ememobong added, “Given another opportunity, I will do more.”

“I understand this decision may not please everyone, and to those who are disappointed, I humbly seek your understanding,” the commissioner concluded.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Friday, observed the official defection of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, via a televised broadcast.

A video shared by the official APC account on X.com (formerly Twitter) captured the President watching the live transmission on TVC News.

The caption read: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, observed Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State defect from the PDP to the APC in the early hours of today.”

Eno made an official announcement of his defection on Friday at the Government House in Uyo, the state capital.

READ ALSO: Governor Eno Endorsed For Second Term As He Doubles Ward PAs’ Salary To N500,000

The governor said the decision followed “three months of wide consultation” with critical stakeholders across the state.

Eno expressed his gratitude to the PDP for their support during his tenure, stating that it was time for him to make a progressive move.

APC has also formally welcomed the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, following his defection to the ruling party.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party’s National Working Committee expressed delight at Eno’s decision, describing it as a significant boost to both the party and the people of Akwa Ibom.

Photo/Video Credit: PUNCH

A United States of America-based Professor of Mathematics, Rafiu Durodoye, has joined the race for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress, promising to focus on education and quality healthcare delivery if elected governor.

Durodoye, an indigene of Osogbo, Osun State who was accompanied by many supporters, earlier met the members of the State Working Committee of the APC at the party’s State Secretariat in Osogbo on Wednesday.

Prof. Rafiu Durodoye
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Durodoye expressed hope that APC would provide a platform for him to contest the poll.

READ ALSO: Osun APC, PDP In War Of Words After Adeleke, Tinubu’s Meeting

“I am Professor Rauf Durotoye, a Professor of Mathematics at Dallas College for 37 years.
At this point in my life, I have to contribute my quota to the development of Osun State.

“I want to donate my knowledge, experience and wealth to the development of our youth. Our youth have no future, no mission, no goal, it is very sad.

“So I have to donate everything that I have in order to make Osun, not only a great state but also a model state that others will learn from in education, health care delivery, science and technology and economy empowerment, I can do it,” Durodoye said.

READ ALSO: Tinubu Hosts Gov Adeleke, Deji Adeleke, Davido In Lagos

Commenting on the state of affairs in Osun APC, he commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola for providing leadership for the party in Osun.

He also lauded President Bola Tinubu, for the effort to stimulate the economy, saying the direction he is leading Nigeria will end in self and sustained growth.

Asked about his chances to get an APC ticket, the university don said, “I am very hopeful that the party will give me the ticket. I am here to provide service. No quality education in the state, we have to do something about it.”

Already, the Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, a security expert and lawyer, Mr. Dotun Babayemi and the chairman, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, have announced their interest in the APC ticket for the August 8, 2026 Osun governorship poll.
(PUNCH)