Akwa Ibom Aide Sacked After Calling For Tinubu’s Resignation
Akwa Ibom Aide Removed After Online Criticism of President Sparks Loyalty Debate
Internal Decision Follows Viral Political Commentary
A media aide in the Office of the Political Adviser to the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Osborne Okon, has been removed from office following a Facebook post in which he called for President Bola Tinubu’s resignation over insecurity concerns.
The dismissal letter, signed by Political Adviser Godwin Ntuk Udeh, stated that Okon’s conduct amounted to “disloyalty,” leading to the termination of his appointment with immediate effect.
Social Media Expression and Political Consequences
Okon’s post, which criticised the federal government’s handling of insecurity, reportedly circulated widely before administrative action was taken.
In the post, he argued that in a functional system, the president would have stepped down voluntarily due to worsening security challenges.
The incident has drawn attention to the growing sensitivity surrounding public commentary by political appointees on national issues.
Questions Around Loyalty Standards in Public Office
The termination has triggered renewed discussion about the boundaries of expression for government aides, particularly those serving in politically sensitive communication roles.
While the government framed the decision as necessary for discipline and internal order, critics argue that it highlights the strict expectations placed on appointed officials in Nigeria’s political environment.
Aide Challenges Narrative of Disloyalty
Following his dismissal, Okon said he was not formally informed before the letter went viral, adding that he only became aware of the development through third-party alerts.
He also questioned the basis of the allegation of disloyalty, stating that he had continued to perform his duties until the news of his removal surfaced.
Okon further disclosed that he had served in the role since 2023 on a modest stipend, describing his engagement as long-term service-oriented rather than financially motivated.
Conclusion
The episode underscores the fragile balance between personal expression and institutional loyalty in political communication roles, particularly in an era where social media activity can quickly escalate into administrative consequences.
