Udom Emmanuel sacks chief of staff amid party crisis over zoning

February 22, 2022 6:04 pm

Udom Emmanuel, governor of Akwa Ibom, has relieved Ephraim Inyang-eyen of his duties as chief of staff.

The decision to sack Inyang-enen was conveyed in a letter signed by Emmanuel Ekuwuem, secretary to the state government (SSG), and dated February 22, 2022.

According to the letter, Inyang-eyen was sacked over the need to “maintain economic development of the state in peace”.

The former chief of staff was also directed to hand over government property in his possession to the SSG.

“On behalf of His Excellency, the Governor, government and the good people of Akwa Ibom State, I write to convey to you His Excellency, the Governor’s profound appreciation of the worthy contributions you made to the development of our dear State while you served as Chief of Staff to the Governor,” the letter reads.

“However, given the urgent need to match skill set and competencies to the task of maintaining the momentum of economic development in peace, your services are no longer required and you are hereby relieved of your position, as Chief of Staff (CoS) to His Excellency, the Governor, with immediate effect.

“You are therefore directed to hand over all property of government in your possession to the Secretary to State Government.

“Please, accept the assurances of His Excellency, the Governor’s goodwill and highest regards as you proceed to other endeavours.”

Emmanuel appointed Inyang-eyen, who was a former commissioner for works, as chief of staff in June 2020.

However, in recent times, there have been reports that the relationship between the duo has grown frosty in recent months due to political differences.

Inyang-eyen, who is from Onna LGA of the state, recently declared his intention to contest the Akwa Ibom south senatorial seat — the district is made up of 12 LGAs.

However, the seat is said to have been zoned to Mkpat Enin LGA, in line with the practice of the district on presenting candidates.

Inyang-Enen is also said to have been asked by PDP supporters in the area to put his ambition on hold and support the zoning arrangement, but he had reportedly insisted on contesting the seat in 2023.