Ahead of the 2023 general elections, Akwa Ibom Executive Council will witness more deplete following exit of two Commissioners from the council.
Investigation by Straightnews shows that in a few days from now, other members of the state executive council will tender their resignation letters.
Since the adoption of Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, the Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources as the preferred choice of Governor Udom Emmanuel, the state executive council has remained shaky because the EXCO members belong to different political camps.
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An anonymous source in Government House, Uyo told Straightnews that some want to bow out to vie for political offices while the rest want to leave due to growing discontent among them.
”Many are unhappy over the running of the state affairs by the state executive officer while others are dissatisfied over non approval of their memos to the Governor,’’ the source said.
According to the source, ”the state exco is divided between the privileged and the less privileged meaning that the privileged are those who have the ears of the Governors and can see him frequently or the governor could call and discuss with them while the less privileged are those who shut out from the line of communication.
”Except on matters of urgent need are the less privileged sent for else they report for duty and are cut off from certain issues relating to finances, except for the Protocol Unit to invite them for events or activities attended by the Governor,’’ the source stated.
So far, two Commissioners of Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel’s cabinet Monday resigned their appointments.
They are Mr. Akan Okon, who was Commissioner of Economic Development and Ibom Deep Sea Port and Pastor Sunny Ibuot, Commissioner for Labour and Manpower Development.
Akan Okon in his resignation letter thanked Emmanuel for the honour and great privilege to serve the state, adding that he would remain grateful to God almighty and the governor for giving him the opportunity to serve.
He explained that his decision to quit the state Exco was necessitated by the need to focus on his governorship aspiration.
He added that he was looking forward to serving the state as governor in 2023, stressing that there was time for every season as the scripture admonishes
“It is my deep conviction that this is the best time to take a leave in order to focus on my aspiration for the 2023 Governorship election,” he stated.
The former commissioner, however, thanked the people of the state for their support and encouragement which he noted had motivated him in the discharge of all the tasks and assignments given to him.
The support, he said, was evidenced especially with regards to the envisioned three gateways (Land, Air and Sea) for the rapid development of Akwa Ibom as well as creation of job opportunities for teeming unemployed youths.
Similarly, Pastor Sunny Ibuot thanked Emmanuel for giving him the opportunity to serve in various capacities.
The one-time Ikot Ekpene Lcoal Government Chairman said, ”It has been a tremendous honour to have been appointed. First, as Secretary, Technical Committee on Agriculture and Food Sufficiency. Later, Hon. Special Adviser, Political/ Legislative Affairs and Water Resources and finally Hon Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State Executive Council of your administration.
”While this duration lasted, I have endeavoured and actively served with the best of my ability and potential, with milestones on the sands of time.”
It understood that while Okon who had served as Commissioner for Finance under Udom Emmanuel is gunning for governorship under Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ibuot may join in canvassing support for Senator Bassey Albert popularly known as OBA.
