2nd Anniversary: Gov. Eno reiterates commitment to maintain peace, security for development

AKAISO, EYO-AKAISO, Uyo

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno PhD has reiterated his commitment to maintain peace and security for all-around development of Akwa Ibom project, across party lines, soliciting support, cooperation and counselling from all, especially his critics, saying that constructive criticism is what makes the world tick.

The governor who made the statement during his second anniversary media dialogue, yesterday at Akpan Isemin Hall, Government House, stated that he prefers to be told what he has not done than to be praised for what he has done, noting that he is holding the people’s mandate in trust and has the responsibility to justify it.

“I like to say upfront, if we have succeeded at all, two reasons: one, the grace of God and his faithfulness; two, we have the right team in place.

That’s why I am surrounding myself with members of my first eleven, as I call them, because they are the ones that make these things happen and we work through them.

They are the ones interpreting the vision, and so if we have succeeded, it’s been teamwork.

“My sincere appreciation goes to the stakeholders in the Akwa Ibom project, across party lines, for their cooperation, counsel and most especially those who criticize me.

I must thank them for that too, because without such criticisms, the world would not be a better place.

“I must say that It’s been two years of learning for me, and two years of discovery. So I’d like to use this opportunity to thank everyone.

In my broadcast speech earlier, I was able to let you know the things that we have probably done. What I want to hear are the things you think we have not done, so that we can go away from here with some lessons”, he said.

Gov Eno said that his administration did not perform badly midway into his first term, boasting that he could judge himself to have achieved over 50 per cent of the content of his ‘Arise Agenda Blueprint, given the peace and security prevailing in the state.

He, however, said it is left for the people and residents of the state, who are direct beneficiaries of the agenda, to score his performance within the last two years.

Eno said his administration made significant progress in agriculture, rural development, infrastructure expansion and maintenance, security, and education, which, according to him, were the five pillars of his administration’s Agenda.

He said that the successes achieved within his two years in office were also due to teamwork, public support, and the grace of God.

“This administration has enjoyed enormous goodwill and support from the Akwa Ibom people since it came on board on May 29, 2023.

“I say it boldly, the teamwork from members of my cabinet, support from our people, and the grace of God have armed us to serve Akwa Ibom.

“We have the assessment of our government by independent organisations, I believe that we are on the right track.

“We have not reached our destination yet, but the midterm report of our first tenure shows me that we have gone above 50 per cent.

“Take a look at all the indices of the ARISE Agenda from agriculture revolution, rural development, infrastructure development, security and education.

“You will agree that we have been able to tick the boxes. We have things we can talk about that we have delivered intentionally,” he said.

He urged the people of the state to deliberately engage in agriculture to bring down the prices of essential food items and ensure food security.

He also said, “I like to leave how we’ve fared over the last two years to the Akwa Ibom people because, if you ask me to score myself, I will be selfish and tell you I’ve done well.

“Naturally, whether we’ve done well or not, I would be foolish to say otherwise. It is the people who should assess us.

“We’ve not arrived at the destination, but a midterm report of the first tenure shows we’ve gone above 50%, and that’s the truth — looking at all the indices of the Arise Agenda,” he said.

The governor reassured Akwa Ibom people of his commitment to provide dividends of democracy in line with his administration’s goals.

According to him, his government is represented in all 31 LGAs in the state and more developments will be seen across the state in the next two years.