Akwa Ibom State's Governor Emmanuel sacks Akpabio's brother as labour commissioner

AKWA Ibom State governor Udom Emmanuel has relieved the brother of his predecessor Godswill Akpabio as the commissioner for labour productivity and manpower development following his sibling's defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Senator Godswill Akpabio, the former governor and senate minority leader, governed Akwa Ibom State between 2007 and 2015 before handing over to Governor Emmanuel his handpicked successor. This week, however, Senator Akpabio resigned his appointment as the senate minority leader and announced that he shall be leaving the PDP to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a swift response, Governor Emmanuel has sacked his brother Ibanga Akpabio with immediate effect, asking him to hand over to the permanent secretary. Also dismissed was Victor Antai, the Akwa Ibom State commissioner for culture and tourism who is believed to be an ardent Akpabio loyalist.

Charles Udoh, the Akwa Ibom State commissioner for information and strategy, said the two commissioners were sacked for alleged gross misconduct and non-compliance with public service rules. Over the next 24 hours, Senator Akpabio is expected to officially declare for the APC at a special rally in Ikot Ekpene.

On Monday this week, Senator Akpabio flew to London to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari, where the two men agreed on the terms of his defection. It is believed that in return for joining the ruling party, Senator Akpabio will no longer be subject to investigation by the Economic and Financial crimes Commission.