Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has dismissed two political aides for defying his directives by attending the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national convention in Ibadan. The move highlights growing tensions within the state administration.
The dismissed officials are Joseph Jacob Ikpak, Senior Special Assistant on Support Services, and Felix Ekuri, Special Assistant on Neighbourhood Watch. Secretary to the State Government Enobong Uwah announced their removal in Uyo on Monday.
Uwah stated the dismissals were part of the governor’s “ongoing restructuring exercise.” This aims to align government operations with the Renewed Hope and ARISE Agenda. However, administration insiders reveal the actual reason was their attendance at the PDP convention.
Photos of both officials at the Ibadan event circulated widely on social media. The governor has reportedly summoned all political aides to an emergency meeting on Wednesday. Government House sources confirm tensions are escalating within the administration.
Loyalty Crisis After APC Defection
Governor Eno’s June defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) triggered loyalty challenges. Many appointees reportedly remain sympathetic to the PDP. They maintain allegiance to former Governor Udom Emmanuel.
Internal divisions have worsened due to disputes over political appointments. The conflict involves core APC members and PDP defectors. This includes Governor Eno himself.
The political rift was further exposed when former commissioner Ini Ememobong resigned. He refused to join the APC with Eno. Ememobong was subsequently elected as PDP national spokesman during the Ibadan convention.
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