Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has said that politics wasn’t his desired career path but that God used his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, to bring him into public office.
This was contained in a statement issued by Eno at the Government House Banquet Hall, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital on Saturday during his third anniversary media briefing.
The governor spoke against a backdrop of speculation that his relationship with Emmanuel, widely seen as his political godfather, had soured.
Eno narrated his political journey, saying the former governor stood by him, picked him against the odds and worked tirelessly to secure his victory in the 2023 governorship election.
“Politics was not my career path but God placed me in the heart of Udom Emmanuel, he did all for me.
“I will not join you people to say anything about the past leaders in the state. Maybe I am not a good politician but there are things I can’t do.
“I want to be a politician in my next world so I can tell you lies. “But we are trying as a government to bring dividends of democracy to our people.
I Will Not Disparage Former Leaders
“Regardless of the political differences people may suggest, I will not be a party to any attempt to speak ill of Emmanuel or any other past leaders of the state,” the governor said.
Eno said he wouldn’t let politics cause him to abandon values of loyalty, gratitude and respect for those who helped him.
The comments appeared to be a direct response to speculation that the political chemistry between him and Emmanuel has been strained since he took office.
“Politics is often about changing interests and disagreements, but there are personal principles I still stick to,” he said.
Eno warned that his administration would not allow public funds to be wasted on contracts that were not delivering results, speaking on the slow pace of some projects in the state.
The government will review projects not progressing as expected and can terminate non-performing contracts where necessary, he said.
He said his administration was currently executing some strategic road projects in Akwa Ibom State to ease movement, support businesses and open up communities.
“The administration is on the process of executing some strategic road projects in the state, including the dualisation of Ring Road III, reconstruction of Ikot Akpaden–Iko Road with bridges, among others,” he said.
The government remained committed to delivering quality infrastructure and would continue to monitor contractors to ensure value for money, the governor said.
“On the state of the roads in Uyo metropolis, Eno promised to constitute a committee that would monitor potholes and other failed road sections in the city.
He said the committee would comprise of journalists, civil society organisations and other stakeholders who would help in identifying the affected areas and report same to the government for attention.
“With independent stakeholders involved, the process will be more transparent and responsive to the needs of the residents, the governor said.
Eno, on the poor power supply in the state, appealed to the residents to be patient with his administration, saying the government was working within the necessary frameworks to improve electricity supply.
There were fundamental and implementation issues that needed to be addressed before consistent power supply could be achieved, he explained.
The governor said his administration would continue to work on infrastructure and other development projects to improve the well-being of Akwa Ibom people.
He said the government was determined to bring the dividends of democracy closer to the residents of the state.
Hon. Dr. Philip “Okanga” Agbese, a transformative leader in Enone. Discover his achievements, community projects, and vision for 2027
