A commissioner in Akwa Ibom State Executive Council has become a major casualty following his sack from the council by governor Udom Emmanuel.
A statement issued Friday in Uyo by the state commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Charles Udoh stated that Mr. Udom has sacked Udo Ekpenyong, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The statement reads: “Governor Udom Emmanuel has effected a minor reshuffling of his cabinet. By this development, the Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Udo Ekpeyong, has been relieved of his portfolio with immediate effect.
“The Government of Akwa Ibom State thanks Hon. Ekpeyong for his services to the state while serving as a member of the State Executive Council and wishes him well in his future endeavours.”
However, the sack may not be unconnected with the exchange of blows between the sacked commissioner and his counterpart (name withheld).
StraightNews got an unconfirmed report that the duo threw caution to the wind on Thursday, January 4 during a breakfast meeting between governor Emmanuel and PDP stakeholders from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District at Government House, Uyo.
Mr. Ekpenyong who hails from Ukanafun Local Government Area was sworn into office by the governor on December 2, 2016 together with 17 commissioners and two special advisers.
Meanwhile, a new commissioner has not been announced.
