Governor Eno Moves Towards Partnership With Top Federal Appointees

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has pledged his readiness to work beyond party lines with Federal Civil Servants from Akwa Ibom State extraction in bringing up more developments to the state.

Gov. Eno stated this during an interactive session he had with the Federal Commissioners, Permanent Secretary and Directors at the Akwa Ibom State Liaison Office, Abuja on Tuesday 15th August 2023.

The Governor emphasized that he was ready and free to interact with his people assuring that he will create time to attend to the things that will bring benefit the state.

He further encouraged Akwa Ibom indigenes who are occupying top positions at the Federal level to use their positions to bring about life- transforming projects back home.

Responding to comments raised during the interactive session, the State Chief Executive maintained that his administration will provide adequate accommodation to Akwa Ibom indigenes working with the Federal Civil Service as well as partner with Akwa Ibom Community in Abuja to start a small housing scheme that will enable indigenes resident in the FCT to have affordable accommodation.

Speaking about the impending Census exercise in the country, Gov. Eno promised collaborating with the National Population Census to achieve a successful census at the state level.

“For the A.R.I.S.E Agenda to take roots in our State, we must keep promoting our brands”, he said, in reference to Ibom Air which he used to embark on the trip, adding that his administration is setting out new Models Schools, and improved primary healthcare systems in the state.

He further mentioned that the A.R.I.S.E Agenda will set up leadership and entrepreneurial development center adding that the industrial park will become a beehive of activities ranging from fashion to shoe hub in the state.

Gov. Eno thanked everyone for coming out and implored Akwa Ibom people to be proud of a State God has given us. The Governor also called for the deepening of the spirit of togetherness and to support his administration to make a better Akwa Ibom.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr. Okokon Ekanem Udo, commended the Governor for his initiative in meeting with them saying it is the first of its kind since their appointments into the Federal Civil Service and in the FCT.

Mr. Ekanem applauded Governor Eno, noting that the gesture has given them a sense of belonging and recognition, and also rekindled and reinforce their commitment to make useful contribution in the success of the present administration.

Mr. Ekanem said "some people have come because they believe in you, and are ready to work with you." He thanked his colleagues for turning out in massive numbers to receive and support the Governor's A.R.I.S.E Agenda.

Others who spoke at the event were; Dr. Tommy Etim Okon, President, Association of Senior Civil Servant of Nigeria, ASCSN, who appreciated His Excellency's humility and for keeping to his promise which he made during his campaign at the Akwa Ibom Community. 

According to him, "the Governor has given us another name which is to say that we are proud people to have a humble Governor".

Mrs. Anietie Enobong Umoessien,  a director at the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Directorate of Industrial Inspectorate, while urging the State Government to put efforts in reducing unemployment in the state which she acknowledged is not totally perculiar to the state alone, she advised that proper sustainability plans be put in place for the growth of  industries and proper awareness to attract investments and suggested commitment, continuity as well as monitoring and evaluation as indices for sustainability and growth.

The Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture of  the  Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Ime Umoh, in his statement said that Akwa Ibom State has a lot to explore in fishing potentials and the state should be interested in owning a fishing trowel across the coastal region. 

Dr. Umoh hinted that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture has donated one patrol boat to Akwa Ibom State government to enable the patrol team to monitor the coastal line from activities of pirates and that the boat will be released to the State Government on 17th of August. 

Obong Dr. Simon Etim, Commissioner in the Federal Civil Service Commission decried of situations where employed indigenes who come to Abuja resign when faced with accommodation issues and return to the state.

Chief Engr. Benedict Ukpong FNSE Federal Commissioner , National Population Census, in his contribution said census data is very useful in actualising revenue mobilization and stated that the state should set up security committee for the successful actualisation of the census and be ready to support it.

In his vote of thanks Barr. Aniefiok Ibah, President Akwa Ibom Community Abuja, thanked the Governor for coming to Abuja to meet with these  cadres of civil servants. 

" Your Excellency, you have systematically dehumanised power and politics in Akwa Ibom State and the people are happy. Akwa Ibom people are very much interested in the success of your administration", Ibah stated.

He further requested that Gov. Eno should establish the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Inter-Governmental Relations in Abuja to ease the  promotion of cooperation and foster inter relations between the State Government and the Federal Civil Service.

With the Governor at the event were the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, the Head of Civil Service Commission, Elder Effiong Essien, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Sir Monday Ebong Uko; and Commissioner of Finance, Dr. Linus Nkan.

Others were Dr. Offiong Offor Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Emem Almond Bob, Ministry of Economic Development, Dr. Enobong Umoessien President Akwa Ibom League of Professionals and Director of Private Sector ECOWAS Commission, Abuja.

Present  at the meeting were four Federal Commissioners, a Permanent Secretary and over 80 Directors/Deputy Directors and Assistant Directors. 

They also included Dr. Dora Ebong, Commissioner Federal Character Commission; Mr. Sunny Anyang  Federal Commissioner Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission; Brig. Gen. Obot Obot, Director of Defence intelligence Agency, Abuja ; The Liaison Office Mr. Edwin James, among others.