Aksg House Press Uyo (2025)

04/02/2025

GOVERNMENT OF AKWA IBOM STATE

PRESS RELEASE

ADC’S INDISCRETION AND FALSEHOOD TAKEN TOO FAR

The attention of the Akwa Ibom State Government has been drawn to yet another baseless and reckless press release by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, signed by its Publicity Secretary, Manfred Ekpe.

This latest attempt by the ADC to draw attention to itself and mislead the public is not only a falsehood taken too far but also exposes the indiscretion of political jobbers desperately seeking relevance.

Ordinarily, Government would not in any form or manner dignify these merchants of falsehood and political propaganda with a response, but for the sake of the unsuspecting public, it is necessary and expedient to set the records straight:

1. CONTRACT AWARD PROCESS

The ADC’s claim that Governor Umo Eno personally handles contracts is laughable and displays their crass ignorance of the processes of government and the mechanics of ex*****on.

All contracts in Akwa Ibom State are awarded through the Finance and General Purpose Committee (FGPC), which serves as the procurement warehouse of all state projects after which the projects/contracts are approved by the State Executive Council in line with budgetary provisions.The Governor, does not and cannot unilaterally award contracts even if such contract is within the limit of the approvals which the law allows the Governor.

2. UYO VILLAGE ROAD PROJECT

The claim that the Uyo Village Road project was awarded to Nsik Motors is an outright falsehood and again shows how vacuous their ill- motivated expedition represents.

For the avoidance of doubt, the contract was awarded to AMITEC Construction Limited, a highly reputable firm with a track record of quality infrastructure delivery in the State. The ADC should have taken the time to verify their facts instead of spreading deliberate misinformation.

It bears repeating that all contracts awarded are put through rigorous scrutiny within the parameters sanctioned by law. To ensure that projects are executed with adherence to transparency and due process, His Excellency, the Governor, has set up a Project Evaluation and Monitoring Team, staffed by highly trained professionals and they have been carying out responsibilities diligently.

3. ARISE COMPASSIONATE HOMES: A TRANSPARENT DIRECT LABOUR INITIATIVE

The Arise Compassionate Homes are executed through Direct Labour, with all work handled by Resource Persons drawn from areas where the homes are located. Not a single home has been constructed through a company.

Furthermore, the Procurement Law does not mandate the publication of names of labour or resource persons for projects executed through Direct Labour. The ADC’s claim regarding non-disclosure of contractors is, therefore, misleading and baseless.

For clarity, each Arise Compassionate Home consists of:
- Two bedrooms, a sitting room, and a dining area;
- Solar-powered borehole for clean steady and constant water supply
- Full solar power for sustainable energy
- ⁠Complete furnishing, including a full sitting room set, beds and foams for both rooms and a dining set.

Each of these homes is constructed at a gross cost of ₦25 million, which includes VAT at 7.5% and WHT at 3.5%. Beneficiaries are further given N500,000 as seed funds to start petty trading in their communities.
For a fully equipped home of this standard, this is an unprecedented display of frugality and prudent financial management and we challenge Mr. Manfred Ekpe to go and build similar homes with same features for N25, 000.000.

The Government remains transparent in its financial dealings and urges the ADC to cross-check its facts before going public with falsehoods.

4. BASELESS KICKBACK ALLEGATION

The reckless attempt to link Governor Umo Eno’s name to any form of kickback is not only false and libelous but an insult to the integrity of the Office and the person of the Governor. His Excellency, the Governor will be instituting a legal action against the writer of the false press release, Mr. Manfred Ekpe and the party- African Democratic Congress( ADC.)

This smear campaign is the height of political desperation and irresponsibility. The ADC, having suffered serial defeats at the polls and in the courts, is now resorting to cheap blackmail in a futile bid to remain relevant.

The Akwa Ibom State Government remains committed to transparency, accountability and the development of the State with impactful projects spread throughout the entire State.

We advise the ADC to desist from spreading misinformation and smear campaign, but instead engage in constructive politics based on facts, not fabrications.

His Excellency, the Governor, has gone to great extent to work across party lines for the advancement of our State and our people and we advise the ADC and its enablers to join him in this Pan- Akwaibom movement, rather than pushing vile and insidious blackmail.

Signed,
Ekerete Udoh
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
Akwa Ibom State
February 3, 2025

15/01/2025

GOV ENO FELICITATES SSG, PRINCE ENOBONG UWAH ON HIS BIRTHDAY

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, has sent his warm wishes to the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, describing him as a dependable ally.

In a message released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, Governor Eno eulogized Prince Uwah for being a trusted, passionate, and reliable hand in the engine room of government.

“It was the best-selling author and business mogul Ziad Abdelnour who wrote these lines that aptly reflect who you are: ‘Trust is earned, respect is given, and loyalty is demonstrated.’

“In all that you do, you have demonstrated the above elements: trust, respect, loyalty, and passion.

“As you celebrate your birthday today, on behalf of the government and people of Akwa Ibom State, I wish you more great health, more bounce in your steps, and more grace.

“Happy birthday again, the dependable ‘Champion of Uyo Politics’!”

02/11/2024

GOV ENO RECEIVES TWO ADDITIONAL AIRCRAFTS FOR IBOM AIR…PROMISES MORE SURPRISES FOR CRITICS

Governor Umo Eno, has celebrated the addition of two new CRJ 900 Bombardier series aircrafts to Ibom Air’s fleet, with a promise to flag off more new projects in the coming weeks.

He described criticisms as major catalysts which enhance improved performance, insisting that, “if you want to do anything in this life and people don't criticize, look back again and check.

Speaking at a brief ceremony in Uyo, the Governor highlighted Akwa Ibom’s achievement as the only sub-national in Nigeria with an airline company, while also emphasising his administration’s commitment to developing critical infrastructure without incurring any burden on the people.

Governor Eno proudly shared that the latest aircraft acquisitions were funded by the Government, a rare unique approach that avoids traditional high-interest public financing.

“When we came into office, we promised to continue with what our past leaders have done, particularly, the immediate past administration of Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel.

“For those criticizing us, you have given us the reason to continue.

“Very soon, and in the next two weeks, we are laying foundation for the Aviation Village.

“Before the end of December, we are flagging off the international Market in Ikot Ekpene.

“Before the end of December, we are flagging off the Judiciary
Quarters in Uyo.

“Before the end of December, we are flagging of our Special Ambulance Service in the State.

“In the next one week, we shall be harvesting from the employment portal, 5000 young undergraduates and we will pay them fifty thousand naira(N50,000) each.

“This month of November, I have just approved 1.2billuon naira for the payment of gratuities to our retirees.

“We are building roads and this month we are commissioning 72 projects in Akwa Ibom State.”

He said further, “we are building compassionate homes, we are building schools, we are through the Akwa Ibom food purchasing agency, distributing food to our local Government areas.”

“Between now and the first quarter of next year, we will be flagging off a four Star Hotel in Abuja because we are determined to turn all our moribond property to commercial use”, the Governor added.

Furthering on the aviation sector, Pastor Eno announced that, “by next year, the MRO behind us would have been fully ready. Then, we will begin to earn in foreign currency.

“Later on in December, we are going to partially open the brand new international terminal and then it will be fully opened by the first quarter of next year.

The Chairman of Ibom Air, Pastor Imo-Abasi Jacob, in his address expressed gratitude for the Governor's commitment, crediting his financial strategy for the airline's growth.

“This fourth aircraft within a year symbolises our resilience and the Governor’s dedication to Akwa Ibom’s prosperity,” he remarked.

Jacob added that the funding approach adopted by the Governor ensures funds are reinvested into the government, benefiting future developments.

Captain Mfon Udom, CEO of Ibom Air, voiced his pride in the airline’s progress, acknowledging the support of longstanding partners and the Governor’s strategic vision.

“He further said that the airline is moving towards a larger network that will connect more people to Akwa Ibom.

In his goodwill message, the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon. Udeme Otong, commended Governor Eno’s financial prudence, noting that the Governor has managed state resources effectively without requesting new loans from the assembly.

“It is clear you are working tirelessly to improve our internally generated revenue,” he stated, affirming the Assembly’s support for the administration’s efforts to advance the state’s economy.

Similarly, The Paramount Ruler of Okobo, HRM Edidem, Ita E. Okokon delivered heartfelt remarks praising Governor Eno as a “silent achiever.”

He acknowledged the Governor’s vision and prayed for his continued success stating that traditional rulers, appreciate his dedication to improving Akwa Ibom.

Highpoints of the event was the unveiling and dedication of the aircraft performed by the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno accompanied by the Deputy Governor Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, the coordinator office of the wife of the Governor, Mrs.Helen Obareki, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong, the Secretary to the State Government, Enobong Uwah, and other dignitaries.

27/10/2024

ALEX OTTI, UMO ENO FORGE COLLABORATION TO FIX ABIA-AKWA IBOM LINK ROAD
..as glowing tributes trail late A'Ibom First Lady

Governments of Akwa Ibom and Abia States have forged a collaboration in the area of road infrastructure towards ensuring that roads linking the two neighbouring states are in top shape, while promoting existing economic ties between their people.

The understanding was reached during a condolence visit by the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, to his Akwa Ibom State counterpart, Governor Umo Eno, at Government House, Uyo, following the demise of the First Lady, Pastor (Mrs.) Patience Eno.

Governor Umo Eno, expressed the appreciation of his immediate family and the entire Akwa Ibom people for the condolence and support bestowed on them in their season of grief, especially by personally making the visit despite logistics challenges, adding that the kindness received has been a source of strength.

According to Governor Eno, the departed First Lady in her short but impactful lifetime, had left legacies that she will eternally be remembered for.

He noted that the choice of his first daughter, Mrs. Helen Obareki, who was her closest assistant while alive, to coordinate activities of the First Lady's office, is a step to ensuring that all her lofty visions are sustained.

"We want to thank you first of all Sir, for not just the visit, but all the calls and encouragement. As I said to people, the lose of my wife is a lifetime lose. We courted for two years, and we have been married for 38 years. So forty years is not something one can easily forget. It is like half of me is gone, but she was an accomplished woman. She made her impact, joined me to pastor our Ministry and did excellently well in managing the women and building homes," he maintained.

Corroborating the position of the Abia State Governor on the need to ensure the roads linking Akwa Ibom State to one of Eastern Nigeria's economic hub, Aba in Abia State, Governor Eno assured of his readiness to partner with the Abia State Government in their appeal on the Federal government to expedite action on the intervention on the Ikot Ekpene-Aba Road, remedy defective portion of the Ini-Arochukwu Road and initiate other actions to ensure accessibility of economic- viable roads linking the two states.

"...for the road you have talked about, if there are other roads that we can as two states collaborate to work on, we are prepared to do that. We can look at the road and see how we can partner to do it because at the end of the day, it is our people that will use the road.

"Aba remains a very strong regional commercial centre for all of us. I will see whatever we can do to ensure that our people have that smooth passage to and from Aba," Governor Eno stated.

The Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, speaking earlier, expressed the condolences of the government and people of Abia State to Governor Eno, his immediate family and people of Akwa Ibom State for the loss of the First Lady.

He affirmed that the far-reaching acclamation of her impactful life speaks volumes and her demise a grievous loss, and prayed God's comfort for the bereaved family and rest for the departed.

Governor Otti acknowledged the visible dividends of good governance in Akwa Ibom State and encouraged Governor Eno to continue his people-oriented projects and programmes in the State, assuring of the support of Abia, being Akwa Ibom's closest neighbour to get the roads linking the two states fixed, for the socio-economic interest of citizens across the two states.

23/10/2024

Press Release

Akwa Ibom State Government Announces N80,000 Minimum Wage, Constitutes Implementation Committee

The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced that the State Government will a new minimum wage of N80,000 for all state government employees.

To ensure a smooth rollout of this policy, the governor has also constituted an implementation committee, which has been given one month to deliver its report on how the wage increase will be executed.

The committee, chaired by the Head of the Civil Service, includes the following as members:

• Chairman, State Civil Service Commission
• Chairman, Local Government Service Commission
• Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance
• Permanent Secretary, Department of Establishments
• Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning
• Permanent Secretary/Solicitor General, Ministry of Justice
• Permanent Secretary/Accountant General
• Permanent Secretary, Local Government Service Commission
• Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Civil Service
• Director of Budget
• State Chairman, Joint Public Service Negotiating Council
• Secretary, Joint Public Sector Negotiating Council
• State Chairperson, Nigeria Labour Congress, Akwa Ibom State
• State Chairman, Trade Union Congress, Akwa Ibom State
• State President, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE)

This announcement is reflective the state government’s commitment to improving the welfare of its workforce.

Signed:

Comrade Ini Ememobong
Honourable Commissioner
23102024

21/10/2024

2025 BUDGET: AKWA IBOM GOV SEEKS TO CREATE SINKING FUND

…Dedicates NUJ Award to Akwa Ibom Media Community

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pst (Dr.) Umo Eno, has hinted on plans to create a sinking fund for an intentional savings by the State Government.

Governor Eno dropped the hint while declaring opened, an expanded State Executive Council Session to deliberate on the 2025 Appropriation Estimates, said it was dedicated to analyzing, distilling, and condensing all matters relating to the 2025 Appropriation Bill across all Ministries and Departmental Agencies (MDAs).

“I am suggesting as part of our budget, the budget department must deliberately create a sinking fund, where we will intentionally begin compulsory savings for projects that we may not foresee immediately and for the next generation.”

He said the session is “profoundly significant and bears true testament to our passionate commitment to fostering continually the culture of transparency and accountability in the implementation of our Budgets.”

The State Chief Executive maintained that the three days expanded exco session came after the exco members had gone to defend their proposed Estimates at the Ministry of Economic Development, in line with statutory requirements.

“In the course of the next three days, we will critically consider the proposals contained in your respective budget presentations to ensure that your proposals are in line with the expectations of the Arise Agenda and that their implementation will go above average to reflect the yearnings of our people as clearly outlined in the Arise Agenda.

“In my considered opinion, Estimates of the Appropriation Bill to be presented for consideration by the State House of Assembly should have the full buy-in of the leadership of the Executive Arm.

He said it was counter -productive for Government Ministries and Agencies to go to defend their budgets, relying on age-long provisions that may not reflect the Executive’s vision.

Pastor Eno who insisted that he came to serve the people, vowed to ensure that every kobo spent must be such that will meet the expectations of his ARISE Blueprint, and expressed optimism that, “at the end of this exercise, we should be able to have a unified, focused, efficient, and lean Budget Estimates which we would then send to the House of Assembly for their kind consideration and approval”.

Earlier, Governor Eno had appreciated the national leadership of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, for conferring on him, an award as the 2024 Media Friendly Governor of the Year.

The Governor said it was his media team that has performed well on their assigned tasks, saying, “this award speaks to what they are doing.”

“I don’t think it is me as a person, these are the organs that project what we do. If we have been adjudged to have done well, it is the Press Team generally, the Media Team, that have done well.

He dedicated the award to the Akwa Ibom media community for projecting his programmes and projects and commended the State Council of the NUJ under the leadership of Comrade Amos Etuk, for their partnering role in supporting his administration.

Recall that the National leadership of NUJ, at the 3rd NUJ Annual Milestone Recognition event at Airport Hotel, Ikeja, honoured Governor Eno, who was represented by his Deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, as Nigeria’s “ Most Media- Friendly Governor.”

The Governor had also announced plans to inaugurate the State Inter- Labour Committee to monitor employment opportunities and ensure transparency and fairness in the process of employment.

Governor Umo Eno who stated this shortly after launching the ARISE Youth Employment portal, said, “this State Inter-Labour committee will ensure that all Companies operating in Akwa Ibom will show transparency in the employment of Akwa Ibom indigenes in their various organizations.

“This portal will give you all of the skills you need. You can go there, you can select who you want, then you can now call them for interview”, he added.

The Governor commended his SSA, ICT, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong for a great job he did, in interpreting his vision on job creation.

Goodwill messages were presented by the State Chief Judge, His Lordship, Hon. Justice Ekaete Obot, the State ALGON Chairman who is also the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, Engr. Uwem Okoko of Hensek Integrated Services, representing the private sector and the Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien.

21/10/2024

Governor Umo Eno speaking at the launch of the Arise Employment Portal, held at Ibom Hotels & Golf Resort, Uyo.

10/10/2024

BREAKING NEWS:

Governor Umo Eno approves appointment of Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Advisor, Additional Personal Aides.

Congratulations!

10/10/2024

PRESS RELEASE!

07/10/2024

A'IBOM GOVERNOR SWEARS-IN 31 LG CHAIRMEN, DEPUTIES
..charges them on synergy, good governance

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has charged newly sworn-in Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of Local Government Areas in the state to embrace synergy among the various tiers of government, even as he assured them that he will respect their autonomy.

Governor Eno who gave the charge while swearing them in at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Uyo, cautioned them against misapplication of the concept of autonomy, maintaining that no arm of government can operate in isolation.

Congratulating the officials on their victory at the polls, the Governor commended the Chairmen for building their campaign messages around the gains of the ARISE Agenda and its aspirations, while thanking the electorates for responding positively with their votes.

Governor Eno also used the occasion to applaud the immediate past Transition Chairmen for their good works, noting that though they had short stints, they had garnered experiences that would help their political growth.

He also thanked the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC), Elder Aniedi Ikoiwak, and his team for conducting what has been adjudged as free, fair and credible election as shown in the emergence of winners across party lines.

Governor Eno admonished officers who emerged from other political party platforms to see service to the people as the central purpose of their election, stressing that they are to serve the local government area, not their political party.

To the Chairmen, he said the groundswell of support they received at the poll places a great burden on them to deliver on their promises and to utilize available resources to get the most work done to advance the people's welfare and statutory responsibilities associated with the office.

He further cautioned them to prioritize the interest of the people above political party interest as elections were over, hence the need for them to synergize with the State Government to ensure that dividends of democracy are delivered to the people at the grassroots.

Also harping on the roles of Council Chairmen as chief security officers of their respective LGAs, he stressed the need for them to live within their council areas, avail themselves the opportunity of working with the youths, women and elders to ensure that good governance can indeed be a force for progress.

"We will not encourage visiting Chairmen. Live in your respective local government areas. Stay in your various areas of jurisdiction. You are autonomous, so stay in your autonomous communities," he added.

Furthermore, "each of you are now autonomous in your financial dealings, which means you will receive your funds directly. But remember, we have shared responsibilities, and those shared responsibilities must be carefully thought out, how our teachers will be paid across board, how their allowances and gratuities will be paid.We will continue to work collaboratively with all of you to bring good Governance to our people. That's what they expect us to do.

"We expect that we sit down and understand our shared commitment to our people. There is really no autonomy in governance. We all must make sure that our people have what is needed.

"Let me add here that autonomy does not mean you are running separate entities from the State Government. You are an integral part of the machinery of government, and in governance, you are expected to align your actions and policies with our Governance blueprint, the ARISE Agenda.

"To the Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Area, your election and subsequent swearing in today means that the process was fair. So you're expected to imbibe our spirit and work with the government of the state to ensure that we deliver the dividends of democracy to our people. There is no APC or PDP in governance. Let them see you as the Chairman of Essien Udim, and not the Chairman of APC. That is my admonition to you.

"To the women, we would like to thank God that you are properly integrated. Unfortunately, my dear wife is not here with us, but she has fought a good fight. Today, I am sure that from the balcony of heaven, she would look down with a smile because what she desired has been achieved," the Governor stated.

Reacting on behalf of the newly sworn-in Chairmen, the returning Chairman of Eket Local Government Council, Rt Hon. Akaninyene Tommy, thanked the people for the massive support that saw to his emergence and other candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stressing that the performance of the PDP at the polls was not unconnected to the impressive performance of the Governor Umo Eno led PDP government in the State, as he assured to replicate the track record of the Governor at the LG level.

The Chairman of Nsit Ibom, Hon. Otobong Aaron, speaking on behalf of the women folk appreciated the leadership of the PDP in the State for the gender inclusivity at the various levels of governance, expressing optimism that the elected women will make their people and the party that sponsored them proud.

06/10/2024

PUBLIC NOTICE

Aksg House Press Uyo

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