…creates a new Ministry – Ministry of Internal Security to chart a roadmap for the security of citizens
UYO – Ndifreke Jacob.
Governor Umo Eno has sworn in 23 Commissioners and Senior Special Adviser, in a bid to advance the progress of Akwa Ibom State, while charging them with the crucial task of spearheading the state’s development efforts.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Banquet Hall, Akwa Ibom State Government House, on Thursday 27 July, marked the beginning of a new chapter in the governance of the State, Governor Eno revealed.
The Governor, who congratulated the appointees on their nomination and successful clearance by the State House of Assembly, commended Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, and members for the efficient handling of the screening process and eventual clearance of the Commissioners.
With a firm focus on the State’s development, Governor Eno stressed the significance of the Commissioners’ roles in driving tangible and transformative changes across the crannies of the State.
The Governor administered the oath of allegiance and office to the newly appointed commissioners and Senior Special Adviser, who swore to work in tandem with the A.R.I.S.E mantra and not let their personal interest override their responsibilities.
The Governor’s Charge to the Appointees
Addressing the appointees, Governor Eno stressed the importance of dedication, diligence, and accountability in their respective positions as well as outlined his administration’s commitment to bringing positive changes to all sectors, from infrastructure and agriculture to education and security, for the betterment of the people of Akwa Ibom.
Governor Eno said, “Today, as Honourable Commissioners, you have a well-distilled and condensed roadmap to guide you in the execution of the responsibilities of your office.
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“You may be old blood, but what you have now is a new template of execution and implementation and you are expected to wholly execute all that is within your areas of responsibility as outlined in the Roadmap”.
Addressing concerns about the reappointment of the Commissioners, the Governor emphasized the importance of continuity and experience in governance.
He stated that those returning to the State Executive Council were “old blood” he knew well and had fought alongside in battles for good governance with him during the electioneering period.
The Governor, who likened them to loyal foot soldiers who should not be abandoned after a major victory, urged the Commissioners to go beyond reporting efforts and instead deliver concrete outcomes as well as execute their responsibilities according to the outlined timelines and deliverables.
He reminded them that the people of Akwa Ibom State wanted results, and their commitment to delivering on the A.R.IS.E agenda would determine the success of the administration, urging them to work collaboratively to achieve the goals set out in the A.R.I.S.E agenda and demonstrate the state’s commitment to being the “Land of Promise.”
Further, the Governor reminded the Commissioners of the trust placed in their hands by the people of Akwa Ibom State. He implored them to take the message of the Arise agenda to the villages, as this would be vital in stimulating the rural economy and ensuring that the benefits of democracy reaches every citizen, including those residing in rural areas.
Speaking elaborately on the A.R.I.S.E agenda, Governor Eno highlighted key areas of focus, including the agricultural revolution for food security, infrastructural development in rural areas, and continuous efforts to maintain peace and security in the state.
He expressed commitment to providing quality public education and engaging the youth in productive enterprises to foster a culture of hard work and responsibility.
Also, Governor Eno charged all the political appointees to return to their respective villages to make a positive impact on the lives of the people, stressing that governance must begin at the grassroots level, and they should work closely with the people to make a tangible impact.
“We must grow our people and ignite in them a spirit of hard work and a sense of responsibility. Our youths must be engaged so we can stem a culture of entitlement, without corresponding work, which, as you all know, is alien to us, but which, sadly, appears to have been internalized by our people. Our people are exceptionally gifted and all we need is to galvanize them towards productive enterprises, he said”.
The Governor Announced the creation of a new Ministry
Meanwhile, the Governor announced the establishment of the Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways in a bid to combat insecurity and prevent conflicts caused by crowd control groups in the state.
By collaborating closely with existing security agencies, the new ministry, according to the governor, is to fortify the peace and tranquility that the residents of Akwa Ibom have long enjoyed.
Governor Eno who further expressed concerns over the rising tensions and potential confrontations among splinter crowd groups in the state, noted that the Ministry will play a crucial role in curbing violence and maintaining law and order.
Also, he disclosed that the personnel recruited into the newly formed ministry will undergo rigorous training and profiling, as well as the necessary skills and expertise to effectively handle crowd control situations in a professional and responsible manner.
Full list of the newly appointed Commissioners
The inaugurated appointees are; Dr. John James Etim (Uyo), General Koko Essien Rtd (Uruan), Dr. Bassey Bassey Okon (Itu), Prof. Augustine Umoh (Ikono), Dr. Imo Moffat (Etim Ekpo), Chief Uno Etim Uno, Otuekong Raphael Bassey (Nsit Atai), Dr. Linus Nkan (Ibesikpo Asutan), Oku Udom SAN ( ), Sir Monday Ebong Uko (Obot Akara), Elder Aniefiok Isaac Nkom (Ikot Ekpene), Hon. Frank Archibong (Eket).
Others are; Prof. Eno James Ibanga (Mkpat Enin), Dr. Ini Adiakpan (Esit Eket), Dr. Offiong Offong (Ini), Mrs Idongesit Iboro Etiebet (Oruk Anam), Mrs Enobong Mbobo, Sir Charles Sebastian Udoh (Uyo), Hon. Orman Esin, Captain Iniobong Ekong Rtd (Nsit Ubium), Comrade Ini Ememobong (Ibiono Ibom), Mr Camillus Umoh (Essien Udim), Mr. Bob Emem Almond (Onna), and Elder Amanam Nkanga (Nsit Ibom) as Senior Special Adviser.
The inauguration ceremony had in attendance, Wife of the Governor, Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, Her Excellency, Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, Deputy Governor, , Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, Head of Civil Service, Elder. Effiong Essien, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Akwa Ibom State, Elder Aniekan Akpan.
Others include, Political bigwigs, government officials, Senator Bob Effiong, Political leaders, Service Commanders, Forum of Nigerian Governors, Heads of Inter-ministerial departments, Captains of Industries, Traditional rulers, Local Government Chairmen, Permanent Secretaries, among others.
