Akwa Ibom Governor Eno Dismisses Fake List of Commissioner-Nominees, Prepares to Submit New Names

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has dismissed a list of supposed new commissioner-nominees circulating in the media as fake, stating that the individuals named in the list had already failed before even being considered. He further assured that the authentic list of nominees would be submitted to the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly next week for clearance as part of reconstituting a new state executive council.

This follows the governor’s recent decision to dissolve his initial cabinet 20 months after assuming office. Speaking at a farewell dinner for the outgoing cabinet members on Friday night in Uyo, Eno emphasized that any individual trying to influence the selection process by pushing their name through influential contacts had already lost their chance.

At the valedictory meeting, the exco members unanimously supported the motion for the dissolution of the cabinet, and the governor officially sealed their disengagement with the drop of the gavel.

“Don’t Pick for Me”

Governor Eno made it clear that he alone holds the prerogative to appoint new members to the executive council, asserting that no external influence would be tolerated. He warned stakeholders: “Please, don’t ask anybody to contact me. My phone lines are switched off already, and they will remain switched off until names are sent to the House of Assembly next week.”

The governor also expressed frustration at rumors circulating about who was on the list of appointees, declaring, “I have not penciled down a name, I don’t know where they saw the name. The only person I would have probably whispered to would have been my wife, but she is in Heaven.”

Upcoming Projects and Expectations

Looking ahead, Governor Eno shared that by the end of March, the state would be flagging off 31 new projects. He reminded the incoming cabinet members that their tenure would be focused on serious work and results, with no room for complacency.

Reflecting on the emotional nature of dismissing his foundation cabinet, the governor acknowledged the challenge of saying goodbye to friends and colleagues who had worked alongside him during the campaign and throughout his early months in office. Despite the departure of the current cabinet, he expressed optimism for future collaborations and opportunities.

“We’ve succeeded together with the ARISE Agenda, and these men and women made that possible. You are not sacked, you are simply being celebrated and prepared for the next assignment,” Eno said, extending his best wishes to his outgoing colleagues.

Eno closed the evening with an encouraging note, stating that while their time in the current cabinet had come to an end, it likely signified the beginning of new opportunities in service to Akwa Ibom and the nation.