Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Information and Special Duties, Ini Ememobong, has officially resigned from his position following Governor Eno Umo's defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ememobong announced his resignation through a statement posted on his Facebook account on Friday, explaining that his decision was in response to the Governor's directive that appointees unwilling to join him in his move to the APC should step down.

Principled Stand Against Party Switch

"Behold another bend. 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," Ememobong stated.

The former commissioner emphasized that while he respects the Governor's personal decision, he cannot follow the same path due to his political principles and long-standing opposition to the APC platform.

"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."

Governor's Official Defection

Governor Eno Umo officially abandoned the PDP for the APC on Friday, in a move that has sent ripples through Akwa Ibom's political landscape. Prior to his defection, the Governor had reportedly instructed cabinet members who were unwilling to follow him to the APC to resign from their positions.

The development marks a significant shift in the state's political alignment, as Akwa Ibom has traditionally been a PDP stronghold since Nigeria's return to democracy in 1999.

Reports indicate that APC governors from across the country converged in Akwa Ibom to welcome Governor Umo into their fold during his official defection ceremony.

Ememobong's resignation highlights the personal and political dilemmas faced by appointees when their principals switch political allegiances, especially in Nigeria's fluid political environment where party loyalty and personal principles are often tested.

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