Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has sacked his bosom friend, Ephraim Inyangeyen, as his Chief of Staff.

Ephraim, a retired Customs officer, was the Commissioner for Works in Emmanuel’s first tenure.

Competent sources told The Star that the termination of the Chief of Staff’s appointment was on the disagreement over the successor of the governor in 2023.

A source told The Star that Ephraim was backing Senator Bassey Albert for the governorship ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Before the sacking on Tuesday, Ephraim had been relegated and more of an outsider in the administration.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, announced Ephraim’s sack in a letter dated 22nd February, 2022.

The letter states: “On behalf of His Excellency, the Governor, government and the good people of Akwa Ibom State, I write to convey to you, the Governor’s profound appreciation of the worthy contributions you made to the development of our dear state while you served as Chief of Staff to the Governor.

“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 (CoS) to His Excellency, the Governor with immediate effect.

“You are therefore directed to handover 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.”

TheStar