All is set for the swearing in of the confirmed 27 Commissioner, Special Adviser-nominees by Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno on Monday, February 24.
The venue is Government House Banquet Hall, Uyo at 11 a.m, a press release signed by Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah shows.
Recall that Governor Eno had forwarded the names to Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly on February 10 through an official letter to the Speaker, Udeme Otong, for confirmation.
In the letter, the governor invoked Section 192(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), seeking legislative approval for the appointments.
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“In line with Section 192(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), I forward the listed nominees for appointment as Commissioners and Special Advisers for confirmation by the State House of Assembly,” Eno wrote.
The House which began work on February 10, 2025, gave the Committee on Judiciary, Justice, Human Rights & Public Petitions headed by Mr. Aniefiok Attah one week to complete screening and report to the members at plenary.
The Committee which sat at Monty Suites along Four Lanes, Uyo screened and found none of the nominees wanting.
While 20 nominees were confirmed during plenary on February 18, the remaining seven received approval during the session on Thursday, February 20, 2025, marking the completion of the screening exercise.
Presenting the report, Attah revealed that the committee did not receive any unfavorable petitions against the nominees, describing them as men and women of proven integrity who are qualified to serve in the State Executive Council.
Motion for the confirmation of the 27 nominees was moved by the Deputy Leader and member for Nsit Ubium State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Barrister Otobong Bob and seconded by the Deputy Chief Whip, and member for Oruk Anam State Constituency, Hon. Prince Sampson Idiong.
In his remarks, Speaker Udeme Otong thanked the members for ratifying the list and directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs. Nsikak Orok, to communicate the House’s decision to the governor for necessary action.
Governor raises red flag to Nominees
Meanwhile, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has warned the nominees against celebrating their appointments in Uyo, the state capital, emphasizing that any nominee found doing so will be removed immediately.
The governor issued the warning on Thursday, February 20 during the inauguration of the Bureau of Statistics Board, Labour, and Industrial Committee at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo.
Eno urged nominees to celebrate their appointments in their respective local government areas, not in Uyo.
“I want us to know that this is an important board, which is why we have selected the best and brightest in the field. Your board will help the government track and measure the impact of our programs on our people,” he stated.
Addressing the incoming commissioners, he further advised: “Please, do not organize elaborate parties because you have been made a commissioner. It is the end that always justifies the means. I would rather you thank God for the privilege to serve. When you finish your tenure, we can throw a party for you, just like we did the last time.”
Governor Eno emphasized that all celebrations should be held in the nominees’ villages or local government areas, not in Uyo.
“Let me not hear that you did any celebration in Uyo. Go to your villages. Let your people see you. The State Security Director will help me monitor all of you. If you hold your party in Uyo, I will remove you the next day,” he warned.
Furthermore, he revealed plans to monitor commissioners’ visits to their hometowns to ensure they remain connected with their communities.
The Cleared 27 Nominees
The list comprises nine returning Commissioners, three former members of the House of Representatives and new faces.
The returning commissioners are Prof. Eno Ibanga – Works and Fire Service, Ini Ememobong – Information, Emem Bob – Economic Development, Offiong Offor – Agriculture, Frank Archibong – Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Linus Nkan – Finance, Capt. Iniobong Ekong (retd.) – Lands, Uko Essien Udom, SAN – Justice and Gen. Koko Essien (retd.) – Internal Security and Waterways.
Three nominees who are former members of House of Representatives are Mr. Aniekan Umanah, Rt. Hon. Nsikak Ekong and Rt. Hon. Dr. Henry Archibong.
The new faces are Paul Bassey, Hon. Ikoidem Ekong, Anthony Luke, Hon. Iniobong Robson, Dr. Emmanuel John Ekem, Mrs. Inibehe Silas Etukudo, Prof. Ubong Essien, Rt. Hon. Alice Ekpenyong, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong, Kufre Udosen, Hon. Ubuo Effiong Ubuo, Dr. Ubong Inyang, Princess Emem Ibanga, Dr. Anietie Udofia and Dr. Alphonsus Ekerete Ekanem.
