Akwa Ibom Governor’s Aide Dismissed After Social Media Criticism of Tinubu

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Political Storm Erupts Over Facebook Post Targeting President Tinubu

A political controversy has emerged in Akwa Ibom State following the dismissal of Osborne Okon, a media aide attached to the office of the Political Adviser to Governor Umo Eno.

The decision came after a social media post in which Okon openly questioned the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, suggesting that stepping down would have been the appropriate response to the nation’s current difficulties.

Termination Letter Cites Disloyalty

The dismissal was formally communicated through a letter issued by Godwin Ntuk Udeh, the Political Adviser to the governor.

According to the document, the action was taken due to conduct considered inconsistent with the expectations of loyalty within the office. The letter also stated that maintaining discipline and preserving the integrity of the office made the decision necessary.

As a result, Okon’s engagement as a media aide was brought to an immediate end.

Post That Sparked The Controversy

The development followed comments made by Osborne Okon on Facebook, where he expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs in the country.

Despite identifying himself as a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he argued that political loyalty should not prevent individuals from speaking honestly about national issues.

The post quickly gained attention online, triggering discussions across political circles and social media platforms.

Dismissal Raises Questions Within APC Circles

The incident has attracted significant attention because Governor Umo Eno recently aligned with the APC after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Since joining the ruling party, the governor has repeatedly expressed support for both President Tinubu and the APC leadership, making the dismissal particularly notable to political observers.

Many analysts believe the timing of the decision contributed to the widespread reaction that followed.

Former Aide Says He Learned About Sack Online

Reacting to the development, Osborne Okon disclosed that he was unaware of the decision until friends and associates informed him that the dismissal letter was already circulating on social media.

He described the experience as humiliating, saying he would have preferred direct communication rather than discovering the news online.

According to him, several people contacted him before he eventually saw the document himself.

Okon Rejects Allegations Of Disloyalty

The former aide expressed surprise at the claim that he had acted disloyally.

He explained that he had been actively carrying out his duties shortly before the dismissal and therefore found the accusation difficult to understand.

In his view, any concerns about his conduct could have been addressed through a private discussion rather than a public termination process.

Longstanding Relationship Predated Appointment

Speaking further, Okon revealed that his working relationship with Godwin Ntuk Udeh existed before the 2023 governorship election.

He explained that his role was built largely on mutual trust and understanding rather than formal contractual arrangements. Because of that history, he said the sudden nature of the decision came as a shock.

Salary Was Not His Main Motivation

The former media aide also disclosed that he received a monthly allowance of approximately ₦65,000 while serving in the position.

However, he insisted that financial gain was never his primary reason for remaining in the role.

In a rephrased reflection, he suggested that he stayed because he believed the opportunity could eventually lead to greater prospects and professional growth.

Support For Governor Eno Remains Unchanged

Despite his removal, Osborne Okon maintained that his commitment to the APC and the administration of Governor Umo Eno remains intact.

According to Gossip News Now, the former aide emphasized that he would continue supporting the governor’s policies and development agenda while participating in efforts aimed at securing future political success for the administration.

Commentary and Analysis

The dismissal highlights the increasingly delicate balance between personal political opinions and public service responsibilities within party structures.

While political aides are often expected to align with the positions of the administrations they serve, the incident has also reignited conversations about freedom of expression, internal party democracy, and how disagreements should be handled within government circles.

As debates continue, the situation may serve as a reminder of the growing influence of social media on modern political careers and public perception.