Two Commissioners Quit Governor Emmanuel’s Cabinet

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Udom Emmanuel


By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo


Two Commissioners in Akwa Ibom State Executive Council (SEC) have voluntarily resigned their appointments through letters dated on Monday, March 14, 2022.
They are Mr. Akan Okon andPastor Sunny Ibuot who were Commissioners for Economic Development and Ibom Deep Seaport and that of Labour and Manpower Development respectively.
Okon in his resignation letter described his tenure in the state executive council as an honour and great privilege to serve the state under the leadership of Mr. Udom Emmanuel, adding that he was grateful to God almighty and Governor Emmanuel, for giving him the opportunity to serve.
He explained that his decision to quit the state Exco was necessitated by the need to focus on his governorship aspiration to serve the state as Governor in 2023.
As the scripture admonishes “to every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…” Eccl. 3: It is my deep conviction that this is the best time to take a leave in other to focus on my aspiration for the 2023 Governorship election,” he stated.
The former Commissioner however, thanked the people of the state for their support and encouragement which he noted had motivated him in the discharge of all the tasks and assignments given to him, especially with regards to the envisioned three gateways (Land, Air and Sea) for the rapid development of Akwa Ibom as well as creation of job opportunities for teeming unemployed youth.
Although the later, Pastor Sunny Ibuot has not mentioned his political ambition as reason for his resignation but indication has pointed to some political undertones to serve his constituents in a higher capacity.
New Nigerian in Uyo observed that the two former Commissioners took the decision in order to conform with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022 as amended as political appointees believed to be interested in elective offices in 2023 will not be able to participate in party primaries expected to begin in May unless they resign due to the new provision.
Section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act 2022 reads: ‘No political appointee at any level shall be a voting delegate or be voted for at the convention or congress of any political party for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election’. 
A public servant is also disqualified from contesting the position of President, Vice President, Governor and Deputy Governor respectively if same has not resigned from that position within a period of 180 days before the date of election.

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