Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has told new members of the State Executive Council “This is not a War Cabinet but a Delivery Cabinet.’’
Eno, who gave the advice after inaugurating a 27-man cabinet to further his administration’s blueprint, reminded them that he was not constituting a cabinet for war, but one to build bridges of peace and deliver to the people the dividends of democracy.
The Governor charged the EXCO members to brace up for hard work, collaboration and unity of purpose towards adequate interpretation and actualization of the ARISE Agenda.
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Performing the swearing-in ceremony at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo on Monday, Governor Eno charged the new Commissioners and Special Advisers to prioritize problem-solving over blame games and to strengthen weak links within their respective ministries.
The State Executive Council comprises Commissioners and Special Advisers including four women, and nine returning members of the cabinet.
He thanked members of the immediate past EXCO for their services to the state while they served, and urged the newly sworn in Cabinet members to see their appointments as an honour, and based on proven capacities and ability to deliver on his administration’s goals.
Likening the new cabinet tagged, “EXCO of Consolidation and Expansion,” to the biblical Joseph’s team, he tasked them to work collaboratively to interpret and deliver on the key planks of the blueprint to better lives of Akwa Ibom people.
“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.
“This is not a War Cabinet but a Delivery Cabinet. 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.
“The budget has been passed, and the projects to be executed carefully outlined. We don’t have the benefit of time; we are in a hurry to deliver solid democratic dividends in line with the Arise Agenda.
‘‘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. Excuses and tardiness will not be entertained. Your job starts now. Go and get it done,” Governor Eno said.
He, therefore, cautioned against igniting unnecessary fights with leaders at the local government, State or Federal levels, stressing his administration’s focus and desire to continue keeping Akwa Ibom as an oasis of peace and tranquility, where investors and tourists will continue to come, live, and thrive.
According to him, the State Government besides the various accomplishments in the various sectors, has already initiated major projects in the areas of tourism, road construction, healthcare, education, SME support and others to enable them take off properly, cautioning that only the Honourable Commissioner for Information, the Chief Press Secretary and in some cases the Secretary to the State Government, are authorised to issue official Press statements.
The new cabinet has Uko Essien Udom, SAN, as Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General; Mr. Emem Almond Bob, Commissioner for Finance; Dr. Nsikan Linus Nkan, Commissioner for Economic Development; Elder Paul Bassey, Commissioner for Sport; Captain Iniobong Ekong, Commissioner for Lands. Hon. Ikoedem Efanga Ekong, Commissioner for Labour & Manpower and Dr. Anthony Luke Udoh, Commissioner for Transport.
Others are Dr. (Mrs.) Offiong Samuel Offor for the Ministry of Agriculture; Rt. Hon. Iniobong Robson Nnamso for Ministry of Power; Rt. (Hon.) Dr. Henry Okon Archibong for the Ministry of Housing, Rt. Hon. Nsikak Okon Ekong for Ministry of Environment and Mineral /Resources (Petroleum & Solid Minerals); Comrade Ini Ememobong Essien for Special Duties & Ibom Deep Seaport, as well as Prof. Eno James Ibanga for the Ministry of Works & Fire Service.
Hon. Frank Archibong Udoh is the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Dr: Ekem Emmanuel John, Commissioner for Health; Hon. (Mrs.) Inibehe Silas Etukudo, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare; Prof. Ubong Essien Umoh, Commissioner for Education, Rt. Hon. Aniekan John Umanah, Commissioner for Information; Dr. Frank Ekpenyong, Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy; Hon. Ubuo Effiong Ubuo, Hon. Commissioner for Water Resources and Sanitation; Dr. Ubong John Inyang, Commissioner Ministry of Trade and Investment and Gen. Koko Essien (rtd.), Commissioner Ministry of Internal Security and Waterways.
Newly constituted members of the State EXCO
Also in the cabinet are Princess Emem Emmanuel Ibanga as Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs; Dr. Anietie Udofia, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism; Dr. Ekerete Paul Ekanem, Commissioner Ministry of Youth Development; Barr Kufre Effiong Udosen as Special Adviser, Bureau of Political and Social Re-Orientation and Rt. Hon. (Mrs) Alice Ekpenyong as Special Adviser, Bureau of Cooperatives and Rural Development.
