Ex-Assembly Speaker Resigns As Gov Eno’s Adviser

Ahead of the forthcoming general elections slated for early next year, the special adviser to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on Legislative Affairs, Dr Aniekan Uko, has relieved himself of the appointment.

Uko, a former speaker of the state House of Assembly, representing Ibesikpo Asutan State Constituency, stated in his resignation letter to the governor that he wants to pursue his political aspiration.

LEADERSHIP learnt the former state legislator left the state administration to pursue higher national legislative job in the Green Chamber, where he is expected to slug it out with the incumbent representative, Elder Mark Esset, and another aspirant, Blessing Ossom, for the Uyo/Ibesikpo Asutan/Nsit Atai/Uruan federal constituency seat.

The resignation letter addressed to the Governor reads:

“Please accept this formal notice of my resignation as Honorary Special Adviser on Legislative Affairs, as I embark on a new chapter to pursue future opportunities that align with my goals.

“I am grateful for the experience and I appreciate the chance to have served.

However, due to evolving circumstances, I find it necessary to step down in order to focus on my aspiration.

“I remain hopeful that I will continue to support your administration in other capacities.

“I wish you and the State continuous growth, success and best wishes for a brighter future, while I extend sincere thanks for the trust and support extended to me during my tenure.”

The governor had earlier warned his appointees not to quit the cabinet for any elective offices, disclosing that the current State and National Assembly members have been given automatic return tickets, recalling that it was the agreement he signed with them before they accepted to defect with him to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on June 6, 2025.

But such plan was later cancelled following protest by some aggrieved aspirants, who argued that such autocratic decision was detrimental to democracy, zoning and against the right of the electorates to have free choices at the polls.