AKWA Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has cautioned his political aides against misrepresenting their welfare packages, declaring that none of his Personal Assistants (PAs) earns less than ₦1 million monthly.
News Point Nigeria reports that the Governor made the disclosure during a Town Square Meeting with the people of Ikono and Ini Federal Constituency at Ibiaku Ntok Okpo on Friday, where he elevated one of his aides, Blessed Essien, from PA on Protocol to Special Assistant on Public Works, in recognition of Essien’s selfless service to his community.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Eno expressed displeasure over aides who downplay their salaries to score political points or excuse underperformance.
“As I arrived here, they gave me one brochure by a PA who, out of the token (pay) he gets, has gone to his community to do a borehole and reticulated it around the village.
“One man has done this, but some of them with political appointments are still lying to their people that the governor has done nothing. Yet, they are still there.”
“Some say ‘ordinary PA,’ but a PA to the governor of a state cannot be ordinary. Hear me well: no PA earns less than ₦1 million.
“And when they want to talk, they will say it is a stipend. You call ₦1m a stipend? ₦1m is not a stipend to me; it is serious money.”
To strengthen accountability, Governor Eno announced that he has directed the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) to compile and publish the list of all political appointees according to their local government areas.
“We are going to publish it in the newspapers,” he said, adding that the move would allow constituents to directly question their representatives in government.
In a symbolic gesture, the Governor rewarded Blessed Essien, his PA on Protocol, with a promotion to Special Assistant on Public Works for constructing and donating a water borehole project to his community.
“Today you are being promoted from PA to SA (to the Governor) on Public Works,” Governor Eno announced, drawing applause from the crowd.
He challenged other political appointees to emulate Essien by initiating projects in their local communities, rather than hiding behind excuses.
Governor Eno tasked the people of Akwa Ibom to hold their representatives accountable.
“Call your PAs, call your SAs, SSAs, call your Commissioners, and ask them: what have you done?”
The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to transparency, service delivery, and rewarding loyalty and performance.