Akwa Ibom Local Government Elections: Public Responses To Commissioners’ Resignations

Akwa Ibom Local Government Elections: Public Responses To Commissioners’ Resignations....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In Akwa Ibom State, reactions have been mixed following the resignation of two commissioners from Governor Umo Eno’s cabinet ahead of the local government chairmanship elections scheduled for October 5, 2024…….. CONTINUE READING 

Chief Etim Uno, the Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources from Urueoffong Oruko LGA, and Mr. Aniefiok Nkom, the Commissioner for Labour and Manpower Planning from Ikot Ekpene LGA, resigned last week to pursue chairmanship positions in their respective local governments.

Their resignations have been linked by some to the recent financial autonomy granted to local governments by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which has increased the attractiveness and influence of these positions.

Observers suggest that the commissioners, recognizing the boost in local government allocations, resigned to capitalize on the new opportunities. Others argue that their move was a strategic decision to remain politically relevant, particularly given speculation about a potential cabinet reshuffle by Governor Eno.

Both commissioners secured the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) tickets in the statewide primaries held on August 2 to run for chairmanship positions. A PDP insider, speaking anonymously, suggested that the resignations were motivated by a desire to benefit from local government financial autonomy while remaining in government.

However, PDP State Publicity Secretary Mr. Boronno Bassey dismissed claims of opportunism, stating that the resignations were in response to the requests of their local communities. He explained that stakeholders from Ikot Ekpene and Urueoffong Oruko LGAs had urged the commissioners to run for the chairmanship positions, and that the governor supported their candidacies as a way to bring development to the grassroots.

In contrast, APC chieftain Senator Ita Enang criticized the move as driven by greed. He argued that resigning from a higher position to contest a lower office demonstrates an attempt to benefit from increased local government funds. Enang questioned the motivation behind the resignations, suggesting that the commissioners’ actions reflect a desire to exploit public resources for personal gain.

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