By Solomon OKPO
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, on Tuesday delivered a firm message to political appointees and senior government officials, declaring that his administration will no longer tolerate acts of disloyalty from within.
Speaking at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo, during the swearing-in of Mrs. Elsie Anietie Peters as the new Head of Civil Service, Governor Eno said those who cannot align with the government’s vision should “quietly exit” rather than undermine the system from within.
His remarks came barely 24 hours after two aides were sacked over alleged disloyal conduct.
“Everybody will not agree with us, and that is understood,” the Governor said. “But what we will not tolerate is for people to believe they can be in government and work against the government. Every action carries a consequence… either you quietly leave, and we will gladly receive your resignation, than to stay inside and rock the boat.”
Anchoring his position on scriptural principles, Governor Eno cited passages from 1 Corinthians 4:2, Matthew 6:24 and Amos 3:3 to stress that stewardship requires fidelity and that “no man can serve two masters.” He added that those who “eat at the table of the king” must be willing to stand by the administration’s goals.
The Governor also cautioned that his preference for peace must not be misinterpreted as weakness. “Those who think they can try our resolve should rethink. Meekness is not weakness,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to serve out his mandate.
Turning to worker welfare, Governor Eno highlighted what he described as his administration’s impressive progress in settling longstanding gratuity arrears. He revealed that he inherited ₦110 billion in outstanding payments covering 2012 to May 2023, and has so far cleared ₦75.2 billion.
“This month alone, I released another ₦1.3 billion. We have cleared arrears from 2012 to March 2021. We have two years left, 2022 and 2023 before we begin addressing obligations accrued under our own tenure,” he explained.
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for federal financial support that has helped the State meet both capital and recurrent commitments, pledging continued cooperation with the President’s reform agenda.
Governor Eno also praised what he called one of the country’s most harmonious labour–government relationships, noting that salaries and pensions in the State have remained prompt.
Earlier, he congratulated Mrs. Elsie Anietie Peters on her appointment as the seventh Head of Civil Service and the fourth woman to occupy the role. He commended her predecessor, Elder Effiong Essien, for aligning the civil service with the ARISE Agenda and advancing reforms toward a leaner, ICT-driven workforce.
The ceremony was attended by members of the State Executive Council, legislators, top bureaucrats and other stakeholders.
