Gov Umo Eno Declares Fake Commissioner List, Vows Sole Decision On New Appointees

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has dismissed a circulating list of commissioner nominees and other appointees as fake, emphasizing that those included have already disqualified themselves from consideration.

He revealed plans to submit the official list of new commissioners to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly next week for approval, as part of his efforts to reconstitute a fresh executive council. This comes after he recently dissolved his cabinet, which had served for 20 months since he took office.

Speaking during a farewell dinner for the outgoing cabinet in Uyo, Governor Eno highlighted that individuals seeking positions through influential connections had already lost their chances of being appointed. He reaffirmed his exclusive authority to select his executive council members.

Rejecting Influence in Appointments

Governor Eno firmly warned against lobbying or pressure from stakeholders, stating:

His phone lines would remain switched off until the official submission of names.
Any attempt to recommend individuals for appointment would automatically disqualify them.

He stressed, “The power to appoint lies solely with the governor, and their loyalty should be to him and his vision for the state.”

Upcoming Projects and Expectations

Governor Eno announced plans to launch 31 new projects across the state by the end of March. He advised the incoming cabinet to take their roles seriously, emphasizing it would not be a time for leisure but hard work and commitment to governance.

Emotional Farewell and Future Collaboration

The governor admitted feeling emotional while parting with his former cabinet, acknowledging their contributions to the success of his administration’s ARISE Agenda. He praised their diligence, stating they were not being dismissed but rather celebrated for their service and prepared for future assignments in the state and the nation.

He assured the outgoing members of continued collaboration, hinting that they may still be called upon for further roles in service to Akwa Ibom.