Four members of Akwa Ibom State Executive Council on Monday tendered their resignation letters in compliance with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deadline, in order to be eligible to contest for elective positions in 2015.
Members of the state Executive Council who submitted their resignation letters were Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, secretary to the state government; Barr. Ekpenyong Ntekim, attonery-general and commissioner for Justice; Pastor Ita Umoh Udo; commissioner for culture and tourism and Mr. Iboro Ekanem, commissioner for science and technology.
Receiving the resignation letters at the Governor’s Office Executive chamber, Uyo, the state Governor, Godswill Akpabio congratulated them for the bold step they had taken to tender their resignation letters, commending them for the services they rendered to the people of the state, stressing that they have also contributed to the success of his administration.
Akpabio attributed the proper management of the state resources to able hands of his executive members, saying that capacity was needed for the governorship seat by 2015 and that the next administration would need to build more industries, manage projects, create jobs for the youths and establish active financial management.
He called on other executive members to support the political ambitions of those who had just resigned and called on immediate past executive members who had just resigned and were willing to contest for the governorship seat to work together to bring in the next Governor.
The Governor congratulated Udom and thanked him for his services towards the development of the state, wishing him success in his political ambition.
While also congratulating the former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of the state, Ntekim, on his resignation to further his political ambition, described him as a man of integrity, a bold and courageous leader with a humble character, commending him for working alongside with him to strengthen the judiciary sector of the state.
While accepting their resignation letters, Akpabio expressed happiness that the three PDP Governorship aspirants were from Eket Senatorial District, advising them to come together and agree on the various political offices they want.
Udom who said he had gained wider knowledge during his tenure as the SSG described Akpabio as his mentor, trainer and a God fearing man, lauding the developmental strides of the present administration.
Udom who said he was encouraged by Akpabio leadership style to contest for the Office of Executive Governor of the state in 2015, stressed the need for sustainability of the various projects laid down by the Akpabio administration to ensure the development of the state.
Ntekim stressed that the marks of Governor Akpabio administration can never be erased and that the state governor has restored the dignity of the state.
Ntekim pledged to continue to pray for the administration, announcing that he would also be vying for the governorship position in 2015.
For Udoh, it is only those in the Executive Council that can know the direction of government. He held that sustainability is needed to be put in place in the state and that is why he would be contesting for the governorship seat.
Ekanem also thanked the governor for the opportunity given him to serve as a commissioner, saying that he resigned to further his ambition to represent the people of Ikono and Ini in the House of Representatives.
Meanwhile, Akpabio has also accepted the resignation letters of about five of his personal aides who also left to contest for political positions in 2015.
