Udom Emmanuel, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, has ordered that his Chief of Staff, Ephraim Inyang-yen, be discharged of his duties.
A letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Emmanuel Ekuwem, and made accessible to journalists on Tuesday contained the governor’s directive.
Emmanuel praised the former commissioner of Works and Fire Service for his valuable contributions to the state’s growth in a letter headed ‘Appreciation of Your Service.’
“However, given the urgent need to match skill set and competencies 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 to His Excellency, the Governor with immediate effect.
“You are therefore directed to hand over all property of government in your possession, to the Secretary to State Government.
“Please, accept the assurances of His Excellency, the Governor’s goodwill and highest regards as you proceed to other endeavours,” the letter partly read.
According to reports, the sacking of the CoS, who is from the same place with the governor and had enjoyed his former principal’s goodwill was not unconnected to his alleged recent outburst against the governor.
During his recent visit to his paramount ruler over his senatorial ambition on Saturday, Inyang-yen was asked how he would provide effective representation to Onna when he had abandoned some roads during his days as commissioner of works.
Responding, Inyang-yen reportedly said he never touched a kobo during his time as commissioner, adding that the governor as the Chairman of the Finance and General Purpose Committee awarded all contracts.