By Solomon OKPO
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has issued a stern warning to village heads across the state, declaring that traditional leaders will be held accountable for any further vandalism of government property within their communities.
The Governor delivered the warning during the State Government House Monthly Prayer Service at the Latter House Chapel, Government House, Uyo, where he made it clear that his administration would no longer tolerate the destruction of public facilities.
Governor Eno stated unequivocally that any village where government infrastructure is vandalised would face serious consequences, including the withdrawal of the village head’s certificate of recognition.
“Any village that we have a government presence, and there is vandalism of government property in that village, we will withdraw the certificate of the village head,” he declared.
Questioning the relevance of traditional leadership in communities where public assets are left unprotected, the Governor said it was unacceptable for newly renovated and well-equipped public schools and other facilities to be destroyed by hoodlums without local accountability.
He directed the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, alongside the State Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, to urgently convene a meeting with village heads across the state to formally communicate the government’s position and reinforce their responsibilities.
Governor Eno also called on citizens to take collective responsibility for safeguarding public property, stressing that government infrastructure represents the common wealth of the people and must be protected at all costs.
On the administration’s plan to provide mini water projects in each of the 369 wards in the state, the Governor disclosed that the initiative would be executed through the Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Committee. He further directed that his personal assistants in all wards be fully involved to ensure effective monitoring and implementation.
Delivering a sermon on the theme, “Unsearchable God,” drawn from Romans 11:33, the Presiding Bishop of Beautiful Gate Family Church, Rev. Bolaji Adeisrael, described God’s ways as mysterious yet ultimately favourable to His children. He urged Christians to remain steadfast in trust and obedience to God in order to experience divine guidance and success.
The prayer service featured praise and worship sessions, choir ministrations, and intercessory prayers.
It was attended by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Obareki; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; members of the State Executive Council; political leaders; captains of industry; clergymen; and other senior government officials.
The Evangelist News
