By Ime Silas
Chairman of Etinan Local Government Area; Hon. Uko Umoh has called on Personal Assistants (PAs) appointed by the governor of Akwa Ibom State; His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno from the twelve Wards in Etinan LGA to come together for the purpose of fostering ways of bringing development and empowerment closer to the people at the grassroots.
Uko Umoh who stated this on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at his Council Secretariat office in Etinan while receiving them on a courtesy visit said as the father of all, he was ready to work with all appointees at all levels from the local government area.
The Council helmsman who relieved his experiences as a former aide to the governor urged them to eschew all forms of political bickering but focus on how to make optimal use of the opportunity granted them through the magnanimity of the state governor.
Addressing the governor’s aides under the auspices of College of Personal Assistants, the Etinan Council Boss said “Congratulations on your appointments as Personal Assistants to the Governor. As you all are aware, I was there before you and I can tell you that it is a golden opportunity to serve. It requires sacrifices but there are also benefits.
Number one thing that is required is loyalty. You must note that there are thousands of people here in Etinan but you were chosen by the governor. You must strive to justify His Excellency’s magnanimity in appointing you.
“I was there for eight years and I know what it means to be there. This is the time for all of us to work together and bring peace, empowerment and development to our people at the grassroots. Let us interface and be united for the betterment of the people. For now, I’m a father to you all. Do well to bring honour to Etinan.
Your work is not in Uyo, the State Capital. You were appointed to stay and represent the governor at your respective localities. Go to the communities, create and factor out ideas that would attract peace, empowerment and development to our people at the grassroots. Be closer to the community leaders and work for the benefits of the people, knowing that if you do well, you would be elevated”
Earlier in his remarks on behalf of his colleagues; Personal Assistant to the Governor from Southern Iman Ward 1, Etinan LGA; Okubong Amos Ufot, while congratulating Hon. Uko Umoh on his appointment, thanked the Chairman for granting them the audience to interact. He pointed out that their visit to the Council Boss was to fine-tune avenues of collaboration for the benefit of the people.
Promising that they would do all to justify the essence of their appointments, the governor’s aide pledged their unalloyed support to the Hon. Uko Umoh-led administration of Etinan Local Government Area.
Also on the entourage of the Personal Assistants were Obong Ekong Jonathan Smart (Urban iii), Ndifreke Paul Noah (Urban iv), Uwem Monday Afia (Southern iv) and Aniefiok Udo Essien (Southern iii).
Others were Anietie Dominic Ubeh, Patience Ikakke Lawson and Imaobong Ofonmbuk representing the state governor at Urban v, Urban ii and South ii wards in Etinan, respectively, as well as Ekaette A. Etuknwa (Urban I), Evang. Aniefiok Nyong Titus (South v), Nkereuwem John Udofia (North I) and Inyeneobong John Ekpe (North ii).
Present during the visit were the Vice Chairman; Hon. Imaobong Michael, Council Secretary; Lawrencia Etuk, Chief of Staff to the Chairman; Pastor Ubong Inyang, Head of Service; Mercy Ntekim among others.