Politics Was Not My Career Path, Udom Made Me Governor – Akwa Ibom Gov. Eno

The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, has said politics was never his chosen career path, but God used his predecessor, Udom Emmanuel, to bring him into public office.

Naija News reports that Eno stated this on Saturday during his third anniversary media briefing at the Government House Banquet Hall in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

The governor spoke against the backdrop of speculations that his relationship with Emmanuel, widely regarded as his political godfather, had deteriorated.

Recounting his political journey, Eno said the former governor stood by him, picked him against the odds and worked to ensure his victory in the 2023 governorship election.

He said, “Politics was not my career path, but God put me in the heart of Udom Emmanuel; he did all for me.

“Therefore, I will not join you people to say anything about past leaders in the state. Maybe I’m not a good politician, but there are certain things I can’t do.

“In my next world, I will like to be a politician so that I will be able to be telling you lies. But we are trying as a government to bring the dividends of democracy to our people.”

I Won’t Speak Against Past Leaders

The governor maintained that, whatever political differences people may suggest, he would not be part of any attempt to speak ill of Emmanuel or other past leaders of the state.

Eno said loyalty, gratitude and respect for those who helped him were values he would not abandon because of politics.

His remarks appeared to be a direct response to those claiming that the political bond between him and Emmanuel had weakened since he assumed office.

He noted that while politics often comes with shifting interests and disagreements, there were personal principles he would continue to uphold.

Speaking on the slow pace of some projects in the state, Eno warned that his administration would not allow public funds to be wasted on contracts that were not delivering results.

He said the government would review projects that were not progressing as expected and could terminate non-performing contracts where necessary.

According to him, his administration is currently executing several strategic road projects across Akwa Ibom State to improve movement, support businesses, and open up communities.

He said, “The administration is currently executing numerous strategic road projects across the state, including the dualisation of Ring Road III, the reconstruction of the Ikot Akpaden–Iko Road with bridges, among others.”

The governor said the government remained committed to delivering quality infrastructure and would continue to monitor contractors to ensure value for money.

Regarding the condition of roads in the Uyo metropolis, Eno promised to set up a committee to monitor potholes and other failed road sections across the city.

He said the committee would include journalists, civil society organisations and other stakeholders who would help identify affected areas and report them to the government for attention.

The governor explained that the involvement of independent stakeholders would make the process more open and responsive to residents’ needs.

On poor power supply in the state, Eno appealed to residents to exercise patience with his administration, saying the government was working within the necessary frameworks to improve electricity supply.

He explained that there were fundamental and implementation issues that must be addressed before a steady power supply could be achieved.

The governor said his administration would continue to work on infrastructure and other development plans aimed at improving the welfare of Akwa Ibom people.

He added that the government was determined to bring the dividends of democracy closer to residents across the state.