Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has approved the immediate disengagement of two of his aides.
A statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, identified the affected officials as Mr. Joseph Jacob Ikpak and Mr. Felix Ekuri.
Until their removal, Ikpak served as Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Support Services, while Ekuri held the position of Special Assistant on Neighborhood Watch.
The statement reads in part: As part of the ongoing restructuring exercise of this administration, to align with the machinery of Government towards the success of the Renewed Hope and Arise Agenda, His Excellency Akwa Ibom state has approved the disengagement of the following Aides from office.
“They are :(1) Mr. Joseph Jacob Ikpak- Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Support Services (1) Mr Felix Ekuri – Special Assistant to the governor on Neighborhood Watch .”
According to the statement, their disengagement takes effect immediately.
However, sources within the Akwa Ibom Government House in Uyo indicated that the dismissal of the two aides may be linked to their presence at the PDP convention held in Ibadan last weekend.
Since Governor Umo Eno defected to the APC six months ago, he reportedly directed all aides, special advisers, and commissioners to join him in the ruling party, though some have allegedly maintained dual political loyalties.
A Government House source, who requested anonymity, told Daily Sun that the governor personally watched the live transmission of the PDP convention and observed the affected aides at the venue wearing PDP campaign attire.
“Pastor Umo Eno will use this period to examine those cabinet members who are loyal to his cause and aspirations before 2027 election.”
In a related development, Pastor Umo Eno has appointed Mrs. Elsie Anietie Peters as the new Head of Service for Akwa Ibom State.
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ekerete Udoh, announced that the new Head of Service will be sworn in on Tuesday at the Banquet Hall by 10 a.m.
