The Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor, Nsima Ekere has resigned for “personal reasons.”
His terse letter of resignation sent to the state governor, Godswill Akpabio reads: “Pursuant to Section 306 (5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), I kindly notify you of my resignation from the Office of the Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State forthwith on personal grounds.
“I want to thank you immensely for the opportunity to serve Akwa Ibom State and the good people of the state as well in the remaining years of your administration.”
A statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Inemesit Ina, confirmed the resignation, but refused to go beyond the lines in the letter.
Mr Ekere was one of the 47 aspirants who indicated interest in contesting the Akwa Ibom State governorship election in 2007. He stepped down in support of Mr Akpabio and thus boosted his political standing. He was thus tipped as the running mate, but, on the intervention of party elders, shelved his ambition.
He was replaced by Patrick Ekpotu, a loyalist of Governor Attah, in a bid for reconciliation ahead of the 2007 election. But, Ekpotu was dropped last year and replaced by Mr Ekere, in what was described as a reward for loyalty.