Dismissal awaits anyone who abandons me at public events – Governor warns Commissioners, others
Dismissal awaits anyone who abandons me at public events – Governor warns Commissioners, others
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has issued a stern warning to commissioners and special advisers exhibiting signs of laziness or insubordination, especially during official engagements.
He cautioned that such conduct would no longer be tolerated and defaulters would be promptly dismissed, regardless of their gender or status.
The governor’s frustration reportedly stemmed from a recent public event where several key cabinet members failed to accompany him to a secondary engagement, which he decided to attend impromptu on his way back from another official function.
Some cabinet members are said to have attributed their lack of engagement to inadequate funding of their offices, a claim the governor appears to dismiss.
Addressing the issue publicly, Governor Eno declared: “From now on, let everyone take note — I’m speaking openly so no one claims ignorance. If you hear I’ve relieved a commissioner from your local government, it’s because of insubordination.”
He emphasized that appointees were expected to remain fully committed to their roles, having taken an oath to serve.
Describing his commissioners and advisers as his “first eleven,” the governor stated they must accompany him to public functions and return with him to the Governor’s Lodge.
Governor Eno made it clear that attendance at official events is non-negotiable and a core duty of his appointees, warning that abandonment of responsibilities would attract swift consequences.
“The fact that I am simple does not mean that I am an appointed Governor; I was elected by the people,” adding that the cabinet members must be fully committed to effective implementation of the ARISE Agenda blueprint of his administration towards a seamless 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 that is busy doing his personal things and leaving his official responsibilities should be prepared for red card.
