By Egufe Yafugborhi

UYO, AKWA IBOM – Akwa Ibomites have continued to celebrate Dr. Ini Ememobong, the only Commissioner who resigned from Governor Umo Eno’s cabinet in protest against the governor’s recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ememobong, who served as Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deepsea Port, tendered his resignation in compliance with Governor Eno’s directive that all appointees unwilling to join him on his political journey to the APC should step down.

While earlier speculations suggested that the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof. Eno Ibanga, and another cabinet member had also resigned, these turned out to be false. Ememobong remains the sole cabinet member to have exited on principle.

Since his resignation coincided with the governor’s public declaration of defection, Ememobong’s integrity rating has soared. Many observers now regard him as a dependable and principled leader with a promising political future in Akwa Ibom.

Social justice advocate Umoh Bassey praised the move, stating: “Ini has once again shown us that integrity is not just a word—it is a lifestyle. In a political climate where loyalty is often traded for convenience and party platforms are treated like bus stops, his decision to resign rather than compromise his conviction is both courageous and admirable.

By choosing principle over position, Ini has proven himself a rare breed in today’s political space. His refusal to follow the bandwagon into the APC, despite the perks of office, sends a powerful message: power without principle is hollow, and political alignment means nothing without moral alignment.

This is not a loss of office—it is a victory for principle. We are proud of you, Comrade. History will remember your name not for how long you stayed in office, but for how boldly you stood when it mattered most.”

Emem Etuk Akpan added: “In every age, there arise men who choose principle over position, conscience over convenience. Your resignation, tendered not in defiance but in dignity, echoes the ageless wisdom that ‘to thine own self be true.’

The path of conviction is seldom the easiest, but it is always the one history honours. May your decision inspire leaders yet unborn to remember that power is fleeting, but integrity endures. Walk on in peace. Posterity is already watching—and it shall not forget.”

Saviour Sam echoed similar sentiments: “This is a bold and principled decision. It speaks volumes about your character and convictions. I love and admire you very much for always standing by what you believe in, even when it’s not the easiest path.

Your integrity, loyalty, and calm strength continue to inspire many of us. The future is bright, and I’ll always be cheering you on.”