A'Ibom: Eno Sues For Calm Over Inauguration of Inherited Commissioners
By Edem ITA
Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has dismissed growing insinuations that his choice of retaining all the 22 commissioners who served under his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel was an imposition meant to assuage mounting political interests.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 23-member executive council to actualize his economic blueprint christened: Arise Agenda, at the Hilltop Mansions Uyo, Governor Umo Eno stated that the old hands were retained on merit and proven track record in delivering on assigned responsibilities sacrificially in the best interest of the state.
He described the contingent as foot soldiers with vast experience, enduring records in public offices supported by their tested and proven antecedents which he stressed are needed to drive the cardinal vision of his administration to logical conclusion seamlessly.
According to him, " Aside from political exigencies or bureaucratic persuasions, these are the foot soldiers that deserved to be rewarded for their sacrifices leading to the emergence of this government.
"You do not abandon your foot soldiers shortly after a successful execution of an election victory. As old blood, we were together in all of the campaigns."
"A lot of you took bullets for me, a lot of you stood up for me when no one believed I could ever emerge, spent several nights strategizing for me. My conscience would not allow me to throw you away" he told the newly sworn-in cabinet members."
Therefore, it is only fitting that we bring back tested hands with the right experience who understands the system to join us and work for the continuation of peace, growth, and transformation of our state in line with the Arise Agenda," Eno opined.
The Governor solicited maximum support and cooperation from all stakeholders irrespective of party lines assuring that the composition of the new administration would reflect every strata of the political spectrum of the state.
Governor Umo Eno further announced the creation of a new ministry, the Ministry of Internal and Waterways Security with the prime responsibilities of ensuring peace and harmony as well as the training and coordination of local security groups in the state to complement the efforts of statutory security outfits.
A total of 16 of the commissioners are resuming their previous posts namely Ini Ememobobg, Information, Uko Udom, Attorney General/Justice), Eno Ibanga, Works/Fire Service, Monday Uko, Youth/Sports, Linus Nkan, Finance, Bassey Okon, Special Duties/ Ibom Deep Sea Port.
The returnees include Iniobong Ekong, Lands, Imo Moffat, Ministry of Science and Technology, Augustine Umoh, Health, Ini Adiakpan, Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Frank Archibong, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
Others are Idongesit Etiebet, Education, Raphael Bassey, Housing, Aniefiok Nkom, Labour and Manpower, Bob Emem, Economic Development, Offiong Offor, Agriculture, and Rural Development.
Those assigned with new portfolios are Charles Udoh formerly of Environment now Culture and Tourism, and Orman Esin who moved from Culture and Tourism to Transportation while Uno Uno swapped Transportation with Environment and Mineral Resources. Camillus Umoh takes charge of the Ministry of Power, Enobong Moffat, Water Resources and Sanitation while John Etim takes over at Trade and Investment. The only new member of the team, Koko Essien is assuming duty as the pioneer commissioner in the newly created Ministry of Internal and Waterways Security.
