Two Akwa-ibom State Commissioners Resign to Contest Local Government Chairmanship Seats

In a surprising move, two serving commissioners in Akwa-ibom state have resigned from their positions to contest for the chairmanship seats in their respective Local Government Areas (LGAs). The duo, comprising Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Etim Uno, and Commissioner for Labour and Manpower Planning, Aniefiok Nkom, have announced their decision to step down from their ministerial roles to pursue local government council chairmanship seats.

According to reports, the two commissioners secured party tickets in the statewide Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries held on August 2. They emerged among 31 Chairmanship candidates on the platform of the PDP for the coming polls. Their decision to contest the local government council chairmanship seats has generated intense debates within the political circle in the state.

While some view their move as a shrewd strategy to remain active in the system ahead of the alleged looming sack of cabinet members by Governor Umo Eno, others believe that both commissioners were lured to resign by the prospect of enjoying increased allocations flowing into council coffers following local government financial autonomy.

A PDP insider and civil servant, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that the commissioners might leave office completely before the end of the month, citing their desire to enjoy LG’s financial autonomy and remain in government.

The resignation of the two commissioners is a significant development in the state’s political landscape, as it sets the stage for a closely contested election in the LGAs. The outcome of the election is likely to have far-reaching implications for the state’s political landscape and the future of the cabinet members.