Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has directed all commissioners and political appointees in his administration to either join him in defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or resign from their positions.
The directive was issued during a State Executive Council meeting held on Thursday, confirming ongoing speculation about the governor’s planned defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“It’s no more news that I’m moving party. If you don’t know that by now, I don’t know what else you know,” Governor Eno said.
He made it clear that while appointees are not compelled to follow him to the APC, they cannot remain in his cabinet while belonging to a different political party.
“We want our commissioners, members of the executive council, and appointees to understand this: you are absolutely free not to join me. But you won’t remain in my State Executive Council,” the governor said.
“You better be prepared to resign the day I announce that I’m moving, because your loyalty is to me as an appointee. You can’t be in my cabinet and play anti-party. It’s not a threat — it is what it is.”
Governor Eno, who was elected under the PDP, said he still holds affection for the party but expressed concern over its internal crisis, which he believes could hinder future electoral success.
