Two Akwa Ibom commissioners resign, cite political ambition

The cabinet of Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel has been depleted after two commissioners resigned on the same day, March 14, 2022.

Mr. Akan Okon, who served as commissioner of Economic Development and the Ibom Deep Sea Port, and Pastor Sunny Ibuot, who served as commissioner of Labor and Manpower Development, are the two commissioners.

In his resignation letter, Akan Okon thanked Emmanuel for the honor and privilege of serving the state, adding that he would be eternally grateful to God and the governor for the opportunity.

He explained that he had no choice but to resign from the state Exco in order to focus on his governorship ambitions.

He went on to say that he was looking forward to serving as governor of the state in 2023, stressing that there was a season for everything, as the Bible says.

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“I am convinced that now is the best time for me to take a leave of absence in order to focus on my Governorship campaign in 2023,” he said.

The former commissioner, on the other hand, expressed gratitude to the people of the state for their support and encouragement, which he said had motivated him to complete all of the tasks and assignments that had been assigned to him.

He said the support was particularly evident in relation to the proposed three gateways (Land, Air, and Sea) for the rapid development of Akwa Ibom and the creation of job opportunities for the state’s teeming unemployed youths.

Pastor Sunny Ibuot expressed gratitude to Emmanuel for allowing him to serve in various capacities.

“It’s been a tremendous honor to be appointed,” he said. First, he served as the Secretary of the Technical Committee on Agriculture and Food Security. Later in your administration, you served as Hon. Special Adviser, Political/ Legislative Affairs and Water Resources, and then as Hon. Commissioner in the Akwa Ibom State Executive Council.

I have endeavored and actively served to the best of my ability and potential for the duration of this period, with milestones on the sands of time.”

According to our reporter, the two former commissioners made their decisions in accordance with the Electoral Act of 2022, as amended.

Due to the new provision, political appointees interested in elective offices in 2023 will be unable to participate in party primaries, which are expected to begin in May, unless they resign.