2015 Politics: Akpabio Fires Finance Commissioner, Board Chairmen

SAN FRANCISCO, April 23, (THEWILL) â€' As the jostle over who emerges the next Governor of Akwa Ibom State in 2015 gathers steam, the incumbent State Governor, Mr. Godswill Akpabio early Thursday sacked the state's Finance Commissioner, Mr. Bassey Albert Akpan and Commissioner for Rural Development, Barrister Effiong Abia.

Akpan is one of those angling to succeed Akpabio, who apparently is not disposed to the plan.

Recall that Akpabio had a few months ago also sacked the powerful and influential Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Umana Umana, over his gubernatorial ambition, which did not get his blessing.

Today's statement by the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Aniekan Umanah which announced the 'minor cabinet reshuffle' said it was done to 'reinvigorate the machinery of Government and drive further the Uncommon Transformation Programme of the State'.

'His Excellency has directed the affected Commissioners to hand over to the Permanent Secretaries in their respective ministries. The Governor however thanked the former Commissioners for their contributions to the development of the State and wishes them success in their future endeavours,' the statement added.

Umanah also announced the sack of Board Chairmen: Obong Sunny Udom, Chairman, Akwa Ibom Property and Investment Company Limited, (APICO); Hon. Patrick Ifon, Chairman, Akwa Ibom Water Company Limited; Obong Dan Akai, Chairman, Akwa Ibom Newspapers Corporation, (AKNC); Hon. Alex Nyong, Chairman, Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC); Hon. John Asikpo, Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Management Board; and Abom Tony Esu, Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Agency for Community and Social Development.