The announcement was made in a statement on Monday by the Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah. While thanking the outgoing board for their service, Governor Eno directed the former chairperson to hand over to the commission’s Director of Administration and Supply.
Although the government did not provide an official reason for the dissolution, political observers in Akwa Ibom State believe the action is connected to a social media post by Reverend Osondu Ahirika, a board member of EARCOM. In the Facebook article, published shortly after the federal government dropped its case against Comfort Emmanson—the Ibom Air passenger controversially removed from a flight—Ahirika suggested that the state-owned airline appoint Ms. Emmanson as its brand ambassador.
The proposal sparked outrage across the state. In response, EARCOM chairperson Dorothy Thompson issued a statement distancing the commission from Ahirika’s comments. She clarified that the views expressed were made in his personal capacity and did not reflect the agency’s policies or mission.
“EARCOM did not authorise, sanction, or endorse the said post. The positions or sentiments expressed are strictly personal and do not represent the stance of the institution,” Thompson stressed.
Despite her clarification, pressure mounted, and speculation grew over the governor’s silence on the matter. Governor Eno, while addressing the broader Ibom Air controversy last month, urged residents to remain calm, assuring them that the state government would resolve the issue, given that both the airline and Ms. Emmanson are indigenes of the state.
Ahirika, appointed to the board three years ago by former Governor Udom Emmanuel, reacted to the dissolution with gratitude. In a Facebook post, he thanked both Emmanuel and Eno for the opportunity to serve and hinted at documenting his experiences in a future memoir.
With the EARCOM board now dissolved, political watchers say the move underscores Governor Eno’s determination to maintain discipline within state agencies and protect the image of Akwa Ibom’s flagship airline.
