GOV UMO ENO IN MY ESTIMATION By Anny Michaels
I have patiently studied Gov Umo Eno ‘s more than two years in office, assessed his approach to governance, how he deploys the State resources to the different sectors of the State’s economy, his developmental drive , his inclusivity, his compassion for the physically challenged and his passion for a greater Akwa Ibom far beyond lip service and therefore can submit that he has dared to giving leadership in the State a positive narrative.
Hear this, my submission is borne out of conviction and as a good governance advocate, l will not hesitate to commend leadership that is obviously focused, development driven and purposeful in her drive to bringing to bear laudable dividends of democracy.
Let me start with my home local government area -Ibiono Ibom where Gov Umo Eno, PhD has been able to boost the infrastructure pedestal by commencing the long neglected construction of Use Ikot Amama road, the lkpanya road, the elderly people’s home just to mention but a few.
Also commendable is the media friendly disposition of the Governor, for fulfilling his Cars gift to the immediate past NUJ Akwa Ibom Council executive members. Pastor Umo Eno has made history for being the first Governor to take a moment to appreciate the executive members of the fourth estate of the realm with brand new cars as gifts he promised them in the early days of his administration.
Eno’s recent announcement of a land, House, a N100m worth of studio equipment and a monthly allowance of N1,000,000 to a physically challenged Singer Chris Vic among other gestures as regards the physically challenged persons so far has increased his public perception.
The empowerment of several Akwa Ibom youths particularly through business grants in millions and equipment has placed Gov Eno high in visible initiatives to curbing the growing unemployment rate in the State. Also applaudable is the transparent civil service recruitment even for the N50,000 to those who couldn’t pass the test but were invited for the recruitment exam.
The completion and ongoing road and other infrastructures across different parts of the State including Nsit Atai-Okobo-Oron road project, declaring a state of emergency in the health sector with Standard health clinics across the State, the establishment of model primary schools across the the 31 local government areas of the State and many more positive narratives happening justifies and aligns with a development exponent – Dr A.P.J Abdul kalam’s position that ”We cannot build a strong nation without empowering the rural population with education, healthcare and infrastructure”. This possibly has been a push for the Eno’s administration.
The payment of the backlog of pensions by Gov Eno’s administration is loud and deeply appreciated by the people even when it was seeming that it cannot be paid by previous administrations.
The Arise tourism park along Brooks street, Uyo is a big tourism initiative that will open Akwa Ibom to the world as a State taking tourism seriously with the attendant opportunities that Ibom Air, the ferry services and rich road infrastructure the State can boast of compliments the massive tourism facility accessibility.
Our annual Christmas 32 days unplugged with each of the 31 LGAs having a day to showcase their rich business and culture in a festive ambience is highly Commendable.
The Governor’s personal unscheduled visits to sites of projects is equally commendable to see things for himself and direct further on work progress and timely completion.
Interestingly, Gov Eno had course to relieve some key government officials of their duties to send signals to others that it’s not business as usual as his administration is committed to delivering on the ARISE Agenda.
History will be kind to Gov Umo Eno as one Governor who gave the greatest number of persons opportunity to contribute and add value to Governance during his tenure thereby also enhancing their welfare through appointments even with gender inclusivity. As at the last check, the Governor has 304 Special Aides covering several support services of his administration, with more than 60 honorary Special Advisers, 30 delivery Advisors, members of boards and Commissions, members of State Executive Council and 368 personal Assistants from all the political wards of the State. This is rare anywhere in Nigeria and deserves a big ups.
It will be needless dissipating energies in tackling Gov Umo Eno and his administration except done constructively as he remains one Governor that the State can proudly showcase for probity, responsive leadership , inclusivity, people centric and development driven approach to governance.
Let it be known that this assessment is not induced, to state the obvious l’m not a beneficiary of government appointment, business grant, car gift or any other empowerment initiative but rather happy that the State is stable, progress is made, as the goal is simple, when leadership impresses and adds immense value even as a critic, let’s learn to celebrate and encourage such for a greater Akwa Ibom and desist from unnecessary diatribe as witnessed lately in the media seeming more political than constructive.
Governance is reality to be experienced and is a continuum, as Gov Eno continues to deploy resources to solving most of our challenges as a State in various sectors of the State economy, he needs our collective support, encouragement and prayers to do even more for the greater good of our people.
Ahead of 2027, he stands tall in his record of achievements, trusting that he maintains the pace for us to see the need for continuity with a firm believe in delivering on more dividends of democracy even as we connect more to the centre for more our dreams to be realised.
Anny Michaels writes from Uyo (07065677046)
