Akpabio replaces Umana as SSG

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Obong Godswill Akpabio, has appointed a replacement for his embattled Secretary to the State Government, Umana Umana.
He is Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, who hails from Onna Local Government Area of Eket Senatorial District, Akwa Ibom State.
Emmanuel is replacing Umana, who fell out with Akpabio over his decision to declare his interest in the gubernatorial race for the state in 2015 without the consent of his boss.
Though Akpabio met with Umana in a strange twist of event on Tuesday, it has become clear with the announcement of Emmanuel as the new SSG that the meeting changed nothing.
As first exclusively reported by The Eagle Online, the meeting between Akpabio and Umana took place in the former SSG’s home in Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
A statement late on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information in Akwa Ibom State, Aniekan Umana, said the appointment of Emmanuel takes immediate effect.
Umana said further in the statement on Tuesday night: “Mr. Emmanuel, a great Ibibio son until his appointment was an Executive Director on the board of Zenith Bank Plc from December 2006. Mr. Emmanuel also doubled as Non-Executive Director, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) from 2008 to date and Director, Nigerian Interbank Settlement Systems (NIBBS) from 2009, Non-Executive Director, Zenith Bank, United Kingdom; Zenith Bank – Gambia; Zenith Bank – Sierra Leone; Zenith Insurance; Zenith Pensions and Custodian; Zenith Securities; Zenith Trustees and Zenith Registrars.
“A corporate strategist and an experienced private sector player, Mr. Emmanuel has wide experience in various blue-chip organizations such as Price Water House and Diamond Bank Plc.
“His Excellency, Chief Godswill Akpabio expressed appreciation of the Government and the good people of Akwa Ibom State to the erstwhile Secretary to Government, Obong Umana Okon Umana for his dedication and contributions to the uncommon transformation of Akwa Ibom State. The Governor further described Obong Umana Okon Umana as a brother and a friend who displayed exceptional competence in the discharge of his duties in the last six years. He wished Obong Umana Okon Umana success in his future endeavours whilst congratulating the new appointee, Mr. UdomEmmanuel.”