Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has relieved two aides of their duties with immediate effect, the state government announced on Monday.
The affected officials are Joseph Jacob Ikpak, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Support Services; Felix Ekuri, Special Assistant to the Governor on Neighbourhood Watch
Their disengagement was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prince Enobong Uwah, who described the action as part of the governor’s ongoing efforts to realign the machinery of government with the Renewed Hope and ARISE Agenda.
The statement did not provide further details on the circumstances leading to their removal.
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The affected aides are directed to vacate their positions and hand over over to superior officers in their offices.
However, Straightnews gathered from some political sources that the aides reportedly attended the just-concluded Ibadan Elective Convention of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The aides who are said to have strong link with the outgone Governor of the state, Udom Emmanuel joined the state delegates in voting for elected national officers.
Emmanuel who also attended the Ibadan convention told his supporters some months ago at a church service in Onna Local Government Area that his supporters should maintain cool, adding ‘‘When the time comes, I will give you direction.’’
This, according to one analyst, might have provoked the Governor who wants to control structure and is afraid of being betrayed in his 2027 re-election bid.
Though Governor Eno who was elected under PDP platform had defected to All Progressives Congress (APC), some political analysts have expressed anger with the governor for always harping for a united Akwa Ibom.
During his 2025 Easter message to Akwa Ibom people, Eno emphasized the need for peace and unity beyond political affiliations.
He urged leaders to place the state’s progress above party interests and work together to foster development, a call that came as part of his administration’s continued drive for inclusive governance and collaboration.
”From his actions, it appears the governor is having an issue with his predecessor who still remains in the PDP,” an analyst reasoned.
Political analysts noted that the shake-up comes at a time when the administration is reportedly increasing internal checks to consolidate loyalty and strengthen its policy direction.
