By ETIM ETIM
Commissioning a road Project in his predecessor’s community Monday, Gov Umo Eno has asked Akwa Ibom people to disregard all the unfounded utterances, fake news and unsubstantiated statement about him and the former governor.
Such stories, he said, are circulated to misinform the public and create confusion ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Eno gave the advice on Monday September 21, 2026, as he commissioned 14. 8km internal roads and spurs with a 1.9km discharge drains in Awa, ONNA Local Government Area, the hometown of former governor Udom Emmanuel.
He noted that the project was very special to him, given its location in his predecessor’s home community, adding that he personally chose to commission the project as a mark of honour and respect for his political father, Mr. Udom Emmanuel.
The Governor noted that some people were bent on creating a rift between him and his predecessor, but assured that despite political differences, he will continue to respect and work with his predecessor.
Some politicians in the state have recently alleged falsely that Pastor Eno had instigated the EFCC to seize some property belonging to former governor Udom Emmanuel.
The governor had denied the story in an official press statement issued by the Commissioner for Information. Checks by this reporter at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja have also confirmed that Gov. Eno has no role to play in his predecessor’s ordeals with the anti graft agency.
At the event yesterday, Eno acknowledged that his predecessor was a sacrificial leader who sited projects in many other locations and sometimes forgot himself, stressing that it was, therefore, incumbent upon him to complete the internal roads in Awa began by him.
The Governor commended the stakeholders and people of ONNA Local Government Area, especially the Chairman, Hon. Kufre Umoren, for their support and endorsement.
He noted that 26 projects were at different stages of completion in ONNA local government area, with numerous political appointees including Mr. Emem Bob, the Commissioner for Finance whose duty also covers the Ministry of Special Duties, Accountant-General, Pastor Uwem Andrew-Essien, Chief Press Secretary, Mr Ekerete Udoh, and Chief Photographer, Idara Adiakpan.
Governor Eno assured that he will continue to work with the people of the area to enhance their development and that of the State generally.
Speaking on a reported damage of roads in the area by heavy duty trucks, the Governor said government will interface with those responsible, and urged them not to take law into their hands.
He also disclosed plans to have a toll gate which would be free for all road users except the heavy duty vehicles that will pay for road maintenance.
The Governor commended the people of ONNA for their warm reception, and assured of more life – touching projects in the years ahead.
Giving an overview of the project, Commissioner for Works, Prof. Eno Ibanga described the commissioning as historic for him, recalling that it was the first major project he handled after his appointment as Commissioner in the last administration.
He commended Governor Umo Eno for being intentional about ensuring the completion of the road, expressing happiness that the 14.8 internal roads project had finally been completed.
In his welcome remark, the Chairman of ONNA Local Government Area, Hon. Kufre Umoren, commended Governor Eno for not only constructing roads in ONNA but other numerous projects including a primary health centre, a model primary school, compassionate homes for the less privileged and many more.
Hon. Umoren pledged to work with other stakeholders, and the people generally to reciprocate the good gestures of the Governor by coming out en masse to vote for his re-election in 2027.
In their separate goodwill messages, the political leader of ONNA, Hon. Pat Ifon; Member representing ONNA State Constituency, Hon. Sunday Johnny; Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Emem Bob; former member of the Federal House of Representative, Hon. Owoidighe Ekpoatai, and the Paramount Ruler of ONNA, HRM Edidem Raymond Inyang, appreciated the Governor for improving the quality of life of the people of the area by giving them quality roads and other infrastructure.
They also assured the Governor of their support and that of the local government by ensuring overwhelming victory for APC in the 2027 elections.
The event was graced by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; former Military Administrator, Col. Yakubu Bako (rtd), Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah; Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Advisor, Mr Aniefiok Johnson, members of the State Executive Council; members of the political class; captains of industry; the clergy; Government functionaries, among others.
ETIM ETIM is a veteran journalist and PR professional with over 35 years of cognate experience.
He is the publisher and editor-in-chief of Policy & Politics (www.policyandpolitics.com.ng), an online newspaper dedicated to insightful analysis of Nigerian news and world’s report. He is also a columnist with BusinessDay and The Cable and is a regular contributor to other newspapers.
Contact: +234802 3159969 (WhatsApp Only)
