Akwa Ibom: Governor Emmanuel dares Akpabio, sacks cabinet members
- With the recent sack of two cabinet members of Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom, there appears to be a 'political tremor' in the state
- The sacked cabinet members are loyalists to former governor Godswill Akpabio and also hail from the Ikot Ekpene senatorial district where Akpabio hails from
- There is speculation that some other cabinet members from Ikot Ekpene have been penciled down for sack
Akwa Ibom state governor Udom Emmanuel who recently sacked two of his cabinet members who are loyalists to the former governor, Godswill Akpabio, appears to be in a political battle with the latter, Vanguard reports.
READ ALSO: Benue killings: Senate leadership reaches resolutions, briefs Buhari on its recommendations
Legit.ng gathered that Governor Emmanuel sacked the secretary to the Akwa Ibom state government, Sir Ekemba Umoren, on Monday, January 15, just nine days after sacking the commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Udo Ekpeyong.
The two cabinet members belong to the Annang ethnic group in Ikot-Ekpene where the immediate past governor hails from.
There appears to be widespread speculation across the state that commissioners from Ikot Ekpene senatorial district who are loyalists to Akpabio have also been penciled down for sack soon.
The 'political tremor' in Akwa Ibom followed the assertion by Akpabio that his Ikot Ekpene senatorial district had been marginalised in the implementation of projects by his handpicked successor, Governor Udom Emmanuel.
That claim immediately set the state on edge as interest groups that had for long been waiting to take advantage of a fight between the two men immediately took position.
It was learnt that Akpabio made this assertion on New Year eve during a get-together at Independence Hall Abak, orgnanised by the deputy governor, Moses Ekpo, for people of Ikot Ekpene senatorial district.
He said: “2018 is less than one year to election, all is not well. Don’t allow anybody to deceive you that all is well. If the hotel in Ikot Ekpene rots after so much money has been expended on the project, would that be a good thing?"
Former senator representing Uyo senatorial district, Anietie Okon, took exception to Akpabio's statement. He said: “Akpabio foolishly warned that the “era of carry-go politics” is no more. Did Akpabio not realise this during his tenure as governor?
READ ALSO: Governor Ishaku imposes curfew on Taraba town over murder of lawmaker
“Akpabio who decried the state of the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot Ekpene tasks Udom Emmanuel with the opening and running of the hotel. What did Akpabio himself have in mind when he built the hotel? If Akpabio is to speak on fair treatment and accountability, he should only do so by clearing his name from the beginning of these questions."
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the Akwa Ibom state governor claimed that the holy spirit of God led him to sack the State Executive Council (SEC).
The governor further claimed that he was looking up to God to help him constitute the next executive council, adding that all indigenes stand a chance of making the next cabinet.
How workaholic Governor Ganduje is transforming Kano state - on Legit.ng TV
Source: Legit.ng
