Although some elements in the opposition camp are yet to come to terms with the fact that Pastor Umo Eno is the Governor against their wishes, it is glaring that the ship is now captained by a man with vision who is determined to berth it on a very good shore. It’s 40 days today, and Akwa Ibomites have seen clearly that their new Governor knows his onions. He has so far started well, and even his critics and enemies have come to terms with this fact. Thus, let’s critically assess some of the steps taken by Gov. Umo Eno within the past 40 days.
Appointments so far
In less than a week into his administration, Gov. Umo Eno appointed a few persons to work with him. Among those he appointed were Mr. Enobong Uwah (Secretary to the State Government), Mr. Ekerete Udoh (Chief Press Secretary to the Governor), Mr. Anietie Usen (Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media), Dr. Uduakobong Inam (Special Adviser on Economic Development), and Hon. Otobong Edemidiong (Director of Protocol). He later added names like Essien Ekefre Ndueso (SSA on Research and Documentation), Mr. Solomon Eyo (SA on ICT and Multimedia), among others.
From the look of things, the Governor has so far placed square pegs in square holes. His media team headed by Mr. Ekerete Udoh is doing remarkably well. The SSG has not failed in his assignments, and the economic steps so far taken are in sync with the yearnings of the masses.
The Governor’s Public Relations so far
In public relations, Gov. Umo Eno knows no party. Hence, even those who opposed his gubernatorial aspiration have applauded him for relating well with the people. Few days after taking over, precisely on the day the tenth Senate was inaugurated, Gov. Umo Eno attended the inauguration of Senator Godswill Akpabio as the Senate President, and waited for him to finish with the formalities at the Chambers so that he could have a handshake with him, and that he did to the admiration of all in the State.
Two days ago he hosted Senator Ita Enang in Government House, Uyo. Unlike others before him and elsewhere, he chooses to partner with Senator Enang to see that the Federal College of Education, Ididep singlehandedly brought to the State by the Senator takes off smoothly by September this year. The Governor had also directed the SSG, Mr. Enobong Uwah and the State’s Surveyor General to ensure that the proposed site for the Federal College of Education at Ididep, Ibiono Ibom LGA is surveyed, and the plan/map produced immediately.
The Governor does not look down on anybody, especially those who supported his aspiration. He attended events personally. On the 24th of June he was at The Apostolic Church, Peter Uboh Assembly (Old Ring Road), Uyo for the wedding of Thomas Thomas and wife. While there with his entire Exco and Aides and key officers and members of the State House of Assembly, the Governor said he would not abandon those who worked for his emergence as governor. He praised Thomas Thomas for his consistency, forthrightness and foresight.
So far, the Governor has received encomiums for always stopping by to exchange pleasantries with the commoners on the streets of Akwa Ibom State. Anywhere he stopped by he ensured that he made them happy by handing “envelopes” to them. He even did same to children at the Police/Prison barracks, Uyo some weeks back.
Projects so far
Last Thursday, the Governor was at Nsit Ibom to flag off Edebom – Afaha Udoeyop – Owot Uta Road. He also reiterated his stance on rebuilding and expanding Ekpo Nnwa market at Edebom, Nsit Ibom LGA.
The Governor had also told contractors handling roads in the state to ensure that they finish on time to avoid sanctions that may not go down well.
Pensions and gratuities so far
In line with his campaign promises, Gov. Umo Eno has started payment of gratuities, leave grants and other entitlements to civil servants in the State. Information gleaned from appropriate sources indicated that the Governor wants backlog of debts owed civil servants cleared as soon as possible. Some Primary and secondary school teachers also have a fair share in the ongoing magnanimity of the Governor.
Hope for the masses
The steps so far taken by the Governor have brought hope to the almost hopeless masses who were completely cut off from the system and made to be floating in their own State. Survey by this writer indicated that the masses have confidence in the Governor. This fact is verifiable. Presently the Governor is the most talked about personality in the State. His movements so far is positively discussed in every formal and informal gathering.