In Akwa Ibom State, reactions have been varied following the recent resignations of two commissioners from Governor Umo Eno’s cabinet. Chief Etim Uno, the Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, and Mr. Aniefiok Nkom, the Commissioner for Labour and Manpower Planning, both resigned last week. Their resignations came as they prepared to run for local government chairmanship positions in the upcoming elections on October 5, 2024.
Uno, who is from Urueoffong Oruko Local Government Area (LGA), and Nkom, from Ikot Ekpene LGA, are seeking these positions following the financial autonomy granted to local governments by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This new autonomy gives local governments more control over their finances and administrative decisions, making these positions more appealing and influential.
Observers suggest that the commissioners may have resigned to take advantage of the increased financial benefits associated with local government positions. They may have seen this as an opportunity to benefit from the greater allocations now available to local governments.
Some believe the resignations were also a strategic move. Rumors have circulated that Governor Eno was considering a cabinet reshuffle, which could have resulted in the commissioners losing their positions. By resigning now, Uno and Nkom may be trying to remain politically active and secure their futures.
In the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primaries held on August 2, the two commissioners won their party’s nominations for the chairmanship positions in their respective local governments. A PDP insider, who preferred to remain anonymous, speculated that the commissioners would fully step down from their current roles by the end of the month. The source suggested that the commissioners were motivated by the prospect of enjoying the financial benefits of local government autonomy and maintaining their roles in government.
However, PDP’s State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Boronno Bassey, dismissed claims of opportunism. He stated that the resignations were in response to requests from the local communities. According to Bassey, both local government areas requested that the commissioners run for the chairmanship positions. He emphasized that the governor and the party leadership supported this move, encouraging the commissioners to bring their experience and commitment to grassroots development.
On the other hand, Senator Ita Enang of the All Progressives Congress (APC) criticized the resignations, describing them as driven by greed. Enang questioned why commissioners would leave their higher-ranking positions to seek local government chairmanships, suggesting that the move was motivated by a desire to exploit public funds. He pointed out that, historically, local government chairmen received less funding compared to commissioners, and he expressed skepticism about the new financial benefits translating into tangible improvements at the local level.
The resignations of the two commissioners have sparked a debate in Akwa Ibom State, with differing opinions on their motivations and the potential impact on local governance.
