By Solomon Essiet
🔷 You and Your Governor
Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Pastor Umo Eno has been widely acknowledged as a calm, humble, and peace-loving leader. But humility, as events continue to show, is not weakness. When actions threaten public order or undermine the collective peace Akwa Ibom people enjoy, the Governor has made it clear that accountability will follow.
This week’s recap spans the closing days of December 2025 and the opening days of January 2026, a period so dense with activity that it could easily pass for a bi-annual review. Below are some of the Governor’s key engagements during the period under review:
Highlights of the Week
- Commissioning of an ultra-modern Primary Health Centre at Nduo Eduo, Eket Local Government Area (Monday, December 29, 2025).
- Reception of Akwa Ibom youths who rallied support on leadership positioning ahead of 2027 (Tuesday, December 30, 2025).
- Approval of ₦121.5 billion for gratuity payments and settlement of contractors (Tuesday, December 30, 2025).
- New Year broadcast to the people of Akwa Ibom State (Thursday, January 1, 2026).
- Approval of ₦50,000 transport and lunch support for each of the 33,461 Civil Service CBT applicants (Thursday, January 1, 2026).
- Full implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) across the State (Thursday, January 1, 2026).
- Announcement of Dr. Anieti Udofia, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, as Commissioner of the Year (Friday, January 2, 2026).
- New Year courtesy visit to the Senate President, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON (Friday, January 2, 2026).
- Attendance at the APC Stakeholders’ Meeting at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo (Friday, January 2, 2026).
Stubb’s Creek and the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway
While commissioning the health facility at Nduo Eduo, Governor Eno appealed to residents of Eket Local Government Area to allow peace to prevail and to refrain from disrupting the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project, mapped to pass through Stubb’s Creek.
The Governor emphasized that the project holds long-term economic and commercial benefits for Eket and Akwa Ibom State at large, urging concerned parties to pursue dialogue with relevant authorities rather than resort to self-help. For Governor Eno, dialogue remains the preferred path, but he cautioned that when individuals choose confrontation first and seek peace later, reconciliation becomes far more difficult.
Akwa Ibom, he stressed, is moving beyond needless conflict and destructive disagreement, guided by leaders who understand that peace is both an asset and a responsibility.
Non-Performing Contracts
During the week, the Governor ordered the termination of non-performing contracts in nine Local Government Areas. He expressed concern that while 22 LGAs had completed their assigned projects under the one-project-per-LGA initiative, nine were yet to do so more than two and a half years into the administration.
The Governor frowned at the practice of contractors accepting projects they lack the capacity to execute, only to later request cost variations. He issued a firm warning that following financial audits, contractors and their guarantors would be held fully accountable for funds already disbursed if found wanting.
He noted that such failures hurt not just the contractors but also the affected communities, especially where projects were designed specifically for grassroots development.
Commissioning of the Ultra-Modern Health Centre, Eket LGA
Governor Eno commissioned a fully equipped ultra-modern Primary Health Centre at Nduo Eduo, Eket Local Government Area, calling on community leaders and residents to protect and maintain the facility for collective benefit.
“This facility is for your families and your future. Use it well, protect it, and ensure it serves generations,” the Governor said.
He explained that the project was part of the one-project-per-LGA initiative and fulfilled a campaign promise made to the late Elder Ekwo and the people of Nduo Eduo. He commended the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, and all stakeholders who ensured the project’s timely completion.
In his overview, Dr. John described the facility as a unique Christmas gift, fully equipped with a resuscitation unit, functional laboratory, accident and emergency unit, immunization room, nutrition centre, vaccine storage, staff quarters, and solar power. He also appealed for adequate security to prevent vandalism.
Commissioner of the Year 2025
Governor Eno announced Dr. Anieti Udofia, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, as Commissioner of the Year 2025 in recognition of his leadership and the successful hosting of Christmas Unplugged 2025.
As part of the recognition, the Governor approved a ₦20 million personal appreciation gift to Dr. Udofia and ₦100 million for the Christmas Unplugged Committee. A formal presentation is expected at a forthcoming State Executive Council meeting.
APC Stakeholders’ Meeting
At the APC Stakeholders’ Meeting held on January 2, 2026, Governor Eno disclosed preparations for the party’s 2026 congresses ahead of the 2027 general elections. He called for unity and commitment among party members and announced a seven-member implementation committee to oversee the process.
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, praised the Governor’s inclusive leadership, describing Akwa Ibom as a peaceful and united State under his watch. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Governor and urged party members to remain steadfast.
Closing
This is where I draw the curtain until next week, when I return with more firsthand updates on the activities of the Governor, straight from the heart of Government House.
Stay with me.
This is You and Your Governor.
Pastor Solomon Essiet, ACIA
Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State
