Aniefiok Christopher
Akwa Ibom Governor, Umo Eno, generated reactions on social media after a trending video surfaced showing him questioning a contractor for prioritising mortuary building instead of hospital facilities during a project inspection in the state.
The incident occurred on Tuesday while the governor toured the Ikot Ekpene Udo General Hospital project site alongside members of the development team, where he reviewed construction progress and addressed concerns about the focus of the initial building plans.
Ikot Ekpene Udo is the governor’s hometown in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area of the state.
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In the viral clip, Eno was surprised that the contractor prioritised the mortuary section of the project.
He queried, “Why did you start mortuary first? Why mortuary? I say build hospital you go and start with mortuary. Don’t say that kind of a thing again. Don’t show me mortuary.”
The remark, delivered in a firm tone, quickly spread across social media platforms, with many users debating the symbolism of focusing on life saving facilities before death related infrastructure in public healthcare projects.
The governor’s inspection tour also included visits to other key infrastructure developments across the state. He was seen touring the Ikot Ekpene Udo Bridge and the Oron Marine Jetty as part of ongoing efforts to monitor government funded projects.
During the tour, Eno emphasised that the developments are meant to serve the public, noting that all the projects belong to the people of Akwa Ibom State.
The video has continued to attract commentary online, with residents and observers weighing in on project priorities, healthcare delivery, and the governor’s hands on approach to infrastructure oversight.
Reacting to the comment, Dr. Reuben Abati of Arise Tv mocked at the Governor’s remarks in querying the contractor why he started with mortuary.
But, Rufai Oseni, another analyst with the Arise Tv did not side with the governor in querying the contractor.
He defended the contractor’s action in starting with the mortuary as the best as such would scare suspected thieves and vandals from pilfering the facilities in the hospital.
However, Oseni urged the governor to be transparent in telling the people the cost implication of the hospital.
