*I Remain Loyal To APC, Gov, Says Okon
AKWA Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has sacked Osborne Okon, a media aide in the office of his Political Adviser, Godwin Ntuk Udeh, following a controversial social media post against President Bola Tinubu.
Okon was relieved of his appointment on Tuesday, June 2, in a letter signed by Udeh, citing what it described as “actions bordering on disloyalty” and the need to maintain discipline within the office as reasons for the decision.
The letter said: “Following actions bordering on disloyalty and considering the necessity to always keep the Office of the Political Adviser purified, it has become compelling that you, Osborne Ubong Okon be, and is hereby relieved of your engagement as a media aide to the Political Adviser to His Excellency, the Governor, with immediate effect.”
The action came shortly after Okon made a post on Facebook page, criticising Tinubu’s leadership, suggesting that in a “sane clime,” the President would have resigned over the country’s challenges.
Okon wrote: “In a sane clime president Bola Ahmed Tinubu would’ve respectfully and honourably resigned. I’m of APC, but truth be told.”
The post drew attention, partly because Eno last year defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging support for Tinubu and the party.
In reaction to his sack, Okon said he was unaware of the decision until associates informed him after seeing the letter circulating online, describing the manner of his removal as “insulting” and “embarrassing,” adding that he only learned of the development after receiving a phone call from a prominent individual in the state.
Okon said he was shocked to read allegations of disloyalty contained in the dismissal letter, insisting he had not been formally informed prior to its circulation.
He stated that his engagement was based on a verbal understanding and not a formal appointment letter, and he had remained in the role, despite a modest monthly stipend of N65,000.
He stressed that financial gain was not his motivation, but anticipation of better opportunities in the future, noting: “I wasn’t working for salary. I was working for better days ahead.”
Despite his sack, Okon said he remained loyal to the APC and the Eno administration, pledging continued support for the governor’s political agenda.
