To further streamline the state workforce, Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno has appointed more senior aides.
One of the latest appointees is his daughter- Mrs Jayne Edidiong Ufot as a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Health, Safety and Environment.
Jayne’s husband is a pilot from Essene in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.
Others are Mrs Uwakmfon Nsikan Sambo, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Assets Management and Mr. Charles Nwabueze Okorie, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Technical Services.
A source close to the Governor’s daughter told Straightnews that she finished from Federal Government Girls College, Ikot Obio Itong in Akwa Ibom before she left for higher education in the overseas.
The source confirmed ‘‘She is my neighbor. She is a seamstress at 1 Udoette Street, Uyo.’’
But a political analyst saw the appointment differently, ‘‘this is nepotism- appointment of a close relation into your government.
‘‘I think she will assist the mother who is the state First Lady to tidy her work in Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency. You know, this is an agency, the First Ladies, past and present, have been discreetly superintending over to their own advantage.’’
AKICORP, Assets Management Committee inaugurated
Meanwhile, Governor Eno has directed an immediate recruitment of 100 safety officers into the State Civil Service to bolster safety protocols across government facilities.
The directive was issued during the inauguration of the boards of Akwa Ibom State Investment Corporation (AKICORP) and the Infrastructure and Assets Management and Maintenance Agency at the State Executive Chambers, Government House, Uyo on Friday.
He also directed the Infrastructure and Assets Management and Maintenance Agency to conduct a comprehensive inventory of state assets worldwide, emphasizing improved management strategies.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the current state of assets in Lagos and Abuja, the Governor assured proactive measures to rectify these issues.
Eno tasked the Head of Civil Service to conduct a thorough audit and appropriate redeployment of public servants, including those based in Abuja and Lagos.
He highlighted his commitment to inclusivity, stressing that recruitment of safety officers and other personnel must reflect the diversity and competence of Akwa Ibom State, ensuring fair representation across all communities.
The Governor congratulated board members, urging them to leverage their diverse expertise for effective governance and service delivery.
The AKICORP Board members include Obong Ide Owodiong-Idemeko (Chairman), Pastor Imoabasi Jacob (Managing Director), Barr. Ben Udowa and Pastor Godwin Ukwat (Executive Directors), and Mr. Idorenyen Enang (Non-Executive Director).
The Infrastructure and Assets Management and Maintenance Agency is chaired by Elder Udo Sam Umoatan, with Prof. Comfort Etok, Mr. Joshua Ndon Ikpe, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, the Permanent Secretary/Accountant General, the State Director of Fire Service, and Barr. Victor Bob will serve as Secretary/Legal Adviser.
Previous appointments
Before now, Pastor Eno had appointed Mr Ekerette Udo as Chief Press Secretary, Mr Anietie Usen, as Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity, Mr Otobong Edem Idiong, Chief of Protocol and Dr (Mrs) Uduakobong Inam as his Economic Adviser.
Eno recently inaugurated 368 personal assistants from each ward in the state to achieve his ARISE agenda.
After complaints from some aggrieved members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the governor pledged additional 4000 appointments into the Neighborhood City Watch Programme.
He equally appointed 50 media aides to bolster the state workforce.
