Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has issued a clear and firm warning to his commissioners and special advisers, saying anyone who fails to perform their duties or disrespects official instructions will be removed from office without hesitation.
The governor, in a video shared by African Independent Television and seen online, stated that his administration would not tolerate laziness, insubordination, or any form of unserious behavior from cabinet members. He said that anyone who fails to show commitment to their responsibilities, whether male or female, will be shown the way out.
Governor Eno’s remarks came after reports that some members of his cabinet had not been taking their duties seriously. These individuals reportedly used lack of funds and the local slang “Mkpo Ibaha” – meaning “there’s nothing in government” – as excuses for their poor performance and attitude.
According to sources, what triggered the governor’s reaction was a recent event where he attended a planned government function and later decided to visit another location. Some key cabinet members, however, did not follow him to the second venue, choosing instead to leave early. Eno saw this as abandonment and said such behavior will no longer be accepted.
“Starting from now, henceforth, I like everyone to hear, that’s why I am speaking publicly, that when you hear that I have fired a commissioner from your local government, it’s insubordination,” the governor declared.
He noted that every commissioner and adviser had taken an oath to serve the people and should treat their positions as full-time jobs, not part-time roles they can take lightly. Eno said they must be ready to work with him at all times, regardless of whether the events were planned or not.
Governor Eno described his appointees as his “first eleven,” likening them to a football team’s key players who must always be on the field. He stressed that he does not want cabinet members who choose personal matters over public service.
He also reminded them that though he may be approachable and down-to-earth, he was not appointed but elected by the people to serve, and his team must respect that mandate.
“The fact that I am simple does not mean that I am an appointed Governor; I was elected by the people,” he asserted, adding that cabinet members must be fully committed to the effective implementation of the ARISE Agenda blueprint of his administration, to ensure the delivery of the dividends of democracy to the electorate.
“I was a commissioner myself, and I can’t remember any day I left my Governor behind,” he recalled, reiterating that any commissioner who prioritises personal matters over their official responsibilities should be prepared to receive a “red card.”
