By Emmanuel Abi Couson
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has dissolved his 25-member cabinet, effective Friday January 10
The formal announcement is scheduled to take place during a Valedictory Dinner at 7 PM in the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo.
Rumors about the dissolution had been circulating in government circles since Wednesday, January 8, sparking widespread anticipation of the major restructuring.
A political insider, speaking anonymously, confirmed the plans, stating, “All the Commissioners are going. He [Governor Umo Eno] will then appoint new people of his choice.”
It was learned that some outgoing commissioners had already suspected the move, particularly in the latter part of 2024.
Governor Eno had previously alluded to such a decision during a media briefing in September 2024, held to mark Akwa Ibom’s 37th anniversary.
Responding to calls for a cabinet reshuffle, he remarked, “As a leader, you must understand when to act and when not to act. I know we should dissolve both the boards and the State Executive Council. Sixteen months into a new administration, you need to rejig the system.”
He also emphasized that the dissolution would not come as a shock, adding, “We will not do it as a surprise. I will hold a Valedictory Dinner to thank the executives for their service.”
This development puts an end to months of speculation and is seen as a significant step toward redefining the administration. It also signals a possible shift away from the perceived influence of former governor Udom Emmanuel, with whom some observers believed Governor Eno shared control of state governance.
Some of the Commissioners have been over a decade in government right from the time of his predecessor.
