Gov Emmanuel Sacks Chief Of Staff, Inyang-Eyen Over Perceived Political Differences

The Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel, has sacked his Chief of Staff, Ephraim Inyang-Eyen, following political tension in the State.

Inyangeyen’s sack was announced on Tuesday through a letter from the Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Emmanuel Ekuwem, to the removed Chief of Staff, who was perceived to have political differences with the Governor.

Mr. Inyang-Eyen, hitherto a close friend of Governor Emmanuel, was first appointed as Commissioner for Works before he was later moved to the position of Chief of Staff.

The Akwa Ibom State Government, however, said the sack had to do with “competencies.”

“Given the urgent need to match skillset and competences 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,” the SSG, Mr Ekuwem, said in the letter.

“You are therefore, directed to hand over all property of the Government in your position, to the Secretary to the State Government,” he added.

It was gathered that the removed Chief of Staff, Mr. Inyang-Eyen, recently declared interest to contest the 2023 Senatorial election for the Akwa Ibom South District, against the wishes of Governor Emmanuel, who with other political leaders in the state had zoned the seat to a different area, Ikot Abasi Federal Constituency.

Besides, the former chief of staff was said to be supporting the governorship ambition of Senator Bassey Albert, a distinguished lawmaker from the state, against Governor Emmanuel’s anointed successor, Pastor Eno Umo.