By Straightnews
Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno has dissolved his cabinet, saying he needs to bring new persons to pilot the affairs of the state.
Speaking during a valedictory session at the exco chamber, on Friday, Eno said none of the commissioners under performed.
The governor who said though all of them delivered on their responsibilities, they had to be replaced for new set of professionals to be brought into the government.
“For me, if you were to be changed based on non-performance, I think none of the Commissioners would go. All of you have delivered and that’s why the Arise Agenda has succeeded. But we must come to the end of a season, start another season and keep moving,” he said.
He said a valedictory dinner will be held on Friday evening at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, in honour of the outgone exco members.
Most of the commissioners have been in office for more than 10 years as some of them served under former Governors Godswill Akpabio and Udom Emmanuel.
The commissioners and advisers were said to have been retained to allow Governor Eno compensate them for the services they rendered since they were not rewarded by the time the last administration came to an end on May 29, 2023.
Despite the dissolution of the EXCO, Straightnews gathered that the Governor may retain 10 Commissioners in the new EXCO.
Among those fingered for reappointment are Mr. Ini Ememobong who supervised Ministry of Information; Iniobong Ekong who was in charge of Lands; Frank Archibong who oversaw Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and Mrs Idongesit Etiebet who superintended over Education Ministry, among others.
Recall that Governor Eno, swore in 23 new commissioners and a special adviser to assist in the implementation of his ambitious economic blueprints, “Arise Agenda” on Friday, July 28, 2023.
All the new appointees except one served as commissioners and special adviser in the cabinet of Mr Eno’s predecessor, Udom Emmanuel. The Ministry of Internal Security was the only newly created portfolio under Governor Eno, led by General Koko Essien (rtd).
Rt. Hon. Unoh Etim Unoh, Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources resigned, contested and won as the Executive Chairman of Urue Offong/Oruko Local Government Area while Mr. Aniefiok Nkom, Commissioner for Labour and Manpower Planning also resigned, contested and won as the Executive Chairman of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area.
EXCO’s Decisions
In the EXCO meeting presided over by the Governor Eno, the Commissioner for Trade and Investment under Committee on Local Business Support informed the council that the applicants had been identified and verified. After deliberation, the Council referred the report back to the committee for further work. The Governor consequently extended the life of the committee post-EXCO decision.
The Governor also mandated HC-Women Affairs to act, as his representative, on the outstanding events related to the Ministry OF Women Affairs and Social Welfare. This is to give her authority to act, despite the dissolution of EXCO.
The report on the proposed Power Summit was presented by HE the Deputy Governor. The report proposed a two-day summit to discuss and develop a roadmap to the creation, sustainability, and profitability of the new Akwa Ibom State Electricity Market. The report of the committee was received and referred for further work. The life span of the Committee was extended beyond the dissolution of the EXCO.
The report on the visitation to the Mother and Child Hospital in Oko-Ita was presented by HC-Economic Development, who informed the Council that the facility will soon be ready for hand-over from the SDGs Office. The committee was tasked to continue their work.
The report of the proposed Corporate Akwa Ibom Summit was presented by the SSG, expressing the need to effectively identify, recognize and celebrate Akwa Ibom people who are doing great things globally. The report was discussed and recommended for further work. The Committee was charged to continue their work.
The report on the Revitalization of Ibom Specialty Hospital was presented by HC-Health. He reported that there is a plan to engage a foreign partner, which is an internationally recognised medical brand. The report proposed equipment upgrades, and personnel upskilling among other things. The report was referred for further consideration.
The Dean of the College, HC-Youths and Sports expressed appreciation to the Governor for the opportunity to serve the state under his leadership, promising the continuous loyalty of the members in and out of government.
The Governor expressed satisfaction with the service delivery of the members of EXCO and assured them that they will remain a treasured part of his administration, despite the dissolution.
Motion for dissolution of exco was moved and seconded, consequently, HE the Governor dissolved the Executive Council.
Signed:
Comrade Ini Ememobong
Immediate-Past Commissioner for Information
