In a letter addressed to Governor Eno, Ememobong expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve in two critical ministries under the administration.

The Akwa-Ibom State Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Sea Port, Ini Ememobong, has resigned from Governor Umo Eno’s cabinet following a directive that appointees unwilling to join him in the All Progressives Congress (APC) should resign.

In a letter addressed to Governor Eno, Ememobong expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve in two critical ministries under the administration.

"I write to most sincerely appreciate the confidence and opportunity you offered me to serve in your cabinet in two critical Ministries — Information and Special Duties & Ibom Deep Sea Port. 

“The experience garnered within this period has been very enlightening and I profoundly value the privileged opportunity to have served in your administration." 

"You have directed that any appointee who is unwilling to accompany you to switch from the People's Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress, should resign. 

“Ipso facto, based on my personal conviction, I will be unable to join the All Progressives Congress, I hereby most respectfully tender my resignation as Honourable Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Sea Port and a member of the State Executive Council."

"May I most heartily again thank you for the opportunity to serve your administration and our state."

In a separate statement posted via his official Facebook page, Ememobong gave further context to his resignation.

"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."

"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."

"This decision does not affect my personal relationship with the Governor, who calls me his brother and reposed great confidence in me by saddling me with two very important ministries (Information and Special Duties & Ibom Deep Sea Port). I have and will continue to have tremendous respect for HE Governor Umo Eno, even out of EXCO."

"About my history in political and public service, I look back with great satisfaction at the work I have done and leave the ultimate judgement to history and posterity. Given another opportunity, I will do more."

"Let me convey the very sincere appreciation of my family to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno for appointing me into his cabinet. Our very special appreciation goes to Mr. Udom Emmanuel, the immediate past Governor of Akwa Ibom State for his enduring love and belief in me, especially for appointing me into the Executive Council during his administration."

"I understand this decision may not please everyone, and to those who are disappointed, I humbly seek your understanding."

"As usual, I do not know the future, but I know HE who holds the future and I trust that at the end, all things work together for good, to those who love the Lord and are the called unto HIS purpose."

Meanwhile SaharaReporters reported that Eno formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor had made the announcement during a ceremony held on Friday, June 6, at the Government House in Uyo.

The event was attended by prominent APC leaders from across the country.

He declared that he had decided to “progressively move to the APC," adding that he earlier submitted his letter of resignation from the PDP to the ward chairperson.

Eno was elected as governor under the PDP in 2023.

Among the APC governors present at the Akwa Ibom State Government House in Uyo were the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma; Monday Okpebholo of Edo State; Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State; Bassey Otu of Cross River State; Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State.