…warns against political rivalry
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has cautioned members of his newly appointed cabinet against engaging in political battles with stakeholders in their local government areas.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony for new commissioners and special advisers at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Uyo, Eno emphasized that the administration is focused on governance, not political rivalry.
“This is not a War Cabinet but a Delivery Cabinet,” he stated. “The central and defining element of this EXCO is unity of purpose, teamwork, and positive collaborations to deliver on our campaign promises. Commit this to memory and project it in all your engagements, and you will have a smooth time as EXCO members.”
“Let me again state unambiguously that I am a man of peace and not of confrontation. I say what I mean, and I mean what I say. I do not have ‘body language.’ You must work to maintain the peace we have enjoyed here by showing utmost respect to our elders and leaders.
“You have not been appointed as Commissioners to ignite unnecessary fights with your leaders at the Local Government, State, or Federal levels. Our dream and desire is to continue keeping Akwa Ibom an oasis of peace and tranquility, where investors and tourists will continue to come, live, and thrive”.
The governor said he expects commissioners and special advisers to help him interprete the A.R.I.S.E Agenda of his administration and not use their positions to advance ethnic interests.
“To the newly sworn-in Commissioners, you have been privileged to be selected out of the 7.9 million people of this blessed State to provide service to your State.
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“Let me again reemphasize that your selection was the sole prerogative of the Governor, and this was based primarily on your proven capacities and ability to get the job done—not on ethnic or primordial considerations. Your loyalty, therefore, is to the Governor and to the State.
“You are to work collaboratively to interpret and deliver on those key planks of our governance blueprint for the betterment of our people and State. Teamwork, unity, and passion are the ingredients we require from you.
“You are to look for solutions and not engage in blame games while also working to tighten weak links and encourage deeper team spirit for the overall success of the team.
“We have a blueprint, the ARISE Agenda, which in concrete and precise layers contains our dream for the development of our State. Your role, like Joseph, is to help further interpret the dream and vision by working collaboratively to prepare our State and people for years of continuous economic growth and prosperity”, he said.