Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has reaffirmed his stance that his aides are required to accompany him during all official appointments, expressing dissatisfaction with the frequent departure of executive members while he is still engaged with the public.
In a statement released on Friday, Enobong Uwah, the Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, conveyed the governor’s displeasure, stating, “This is a breach of protocol and therefore unacceptable in all ramifications.”
He further clarified that this statement serves as a “final warning” to cabinet members, asserting that any future incidents would have serious consequences.
Having previously served as commissioner for Lands and Water Resources under former Governor Udom Emmanuel, Mr Eno assumed the governorship in May 2023 and retained all former cabinet colleagues.
However, he undertook a cabinet reshuffle in February, replacing several members from the previous administration.
In addition to appointing new commissioners, Mr Eno has emphasised the importance of his aides accompanying him during official duties.
In a video addressing reporters at an unspecified project site, he issued a stern warning to any commissioner who might neglect this obligation, labelling such behaviour as insubordination.
“Starting today, I would like everyone to hear that when they hear that I have fired a commissioner in your local government, it is insubordination. It is wrong for the governor to go on an appointment (and) if nobody else follows him, my commissioners, special advisers, are members of my first eleven,” he stated.
He elaborated on the necessity of having his commissioners present, saying, “It is mandatory for my commissioners to ensure that they take me either back to the office or to the lodge, because if I stop by anywhere, there can be issues that would be raised so the commissioner in charge of that (ministry) will attend to me.”
Mr Eno further expressed his frustrations, noting, “A situation where we go to a place, I leave the place, the commissioner takes off to what I don’t know. This is a full-time job, 24/7, and so if any commissioner is busy doing his thing, you’re not yet ready to be commissioner.”
Reminding his aides of his own dedication during his time as a commissioner, he declared, “Today is the last day I make this statement, and I am doing it publicly. Anytime I leave an event and stop by anywhere, let the commissioner pray that I don’t look for that commissioner.
If I look for that commissioner, and the commissioner is not there, the commissioner would lose his or her job right there and then.”
